The decision follows an extraordinary meeting at which councilors considered motions relating to rescind earlier resolutions on the proposed SRV.
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting said the decision reflects Council’s ability to reconsider matters through governance processes.
“In November, Council resolved not to proceed with an application to IPART,” Mayor Bunting said. “Council has formally rescinded that approach and determined to proceed to the next stage of the application process.”
The next step is for council’s application for the SRV to be assessed by IPART. Council will now prepare the material required for an application to IPART in early 2026.
The application includes existing consultation outcomes, financial information and details of how any proposed variation would be applied if approved. No rate change occurs as a result of tonight’s decision alone.
Mayor Bunting emphasised the impact of ongoing population growth pressures that require careful long-term planning. “Blacktown City is one of Australia’s fastest-growing cities,” he said.
Mayor Bunting said if an application is submitted and approved by IPART, the proposed Special Rate Variation would be directed toward three established priorities:
1. Maintaining and renewing ageing infrastructure - roads, footpaths, stormwater systems, parks and community facilities across the city need ongoing maintenance and renewal to avoid a decline in service standards as the population grows. This investment helps futureproof essential services so they can keep up with the scale and speed of growth in Blacktown City.
2. Operating new libraries, pools and community centres - these facilities were funded for construction through the Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants program. Operational costs were not included. The Special Rate Variation ensures they can open with the staff, programs and services the community expects.
3. Delivering tw new public administration centres - Council staff currently work across multiple outdated buildings, including temporary demountable structures. New centres in Blacktown and Rooty Hill will support modern service delivery and consolidate operations so staff can continue to provide quality services.
IPART will:
• Assess the proposal against its application assessment criteria.
• Release the application for public comment.
• Publish a determination before the start of the 2026/27 financial year.
However, not everyone was pleased with council’s decision.
In a Facebook post, Liberal councilor, Allan Green said: “Blacktown City Council Labor councilors and the single Greens councilor took advantage of the situation that a Liberal councilor was away overseas on personal business to have an extraordinary meeting to reverse a previous failed decision so they could force through the SRV special rate variation increase application. Pure political opportunism.
“The Liberal councilors and the two independent councilors voted against the SRV because it will put an extra burden on the rate payers of Blacktown City Council.”
Further background on the Special Rate Variation process is available at
