Earlier this month, Council embarked on a community consultation program on a possible application to IPART for a Special Rate Variation.
IPART set the percentage rate increase for Councils, or rate peg, for the 2022-23 year at 0.7% and for the 2023/24 year at 3.7%, well below the current inflation rate of 7.3%.
Under NSW legislation, councils can apply for a special rate variation above the IPART rate peg.
Addressing Council this week, Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said: “After listening to our ratepayers and in light of rising inflation and rising interest rates, it is clear to me, that now is not the time for a special rate variation.”
Following the meeting, Mayor Bleasdale said: “On my recommendation that was endorsed unanimously by my fellow Councillors, Council directed staff to halt preparations for a special rate variation application to IPART.”
Blacktown City is undergoing unprecedented growth and development with its population increasing from 400,000 to 600,000 in the next 20 years.
This growth, along with cost increases, a reduction in revenue, ageing infrastructure and Government actions, have all combined to put enormous pressure on Council’s finances, Mayor Blerasdale said.
“While the proposal for a special rate variation was a sound and moderate response to those pressures, as a Council we are determined to avoid adding to the financial difficulties currently being faced by our residents and businesses.
“We have listened to our residents and we have heard the Government’s predictions of higher prices, higher interest rates and higher inflation, and we have acted.
“Council will need to continue to exercise considerable budget restraint, but I am determined to make sure Council continues to prioritise high standards of service and facilities to ensure the wellbeing of our residents and businesses.”
