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IPART Rejects North Sydney’s 87% Rate Hike, Approves Scaled-Back Increases for Other Councils

North Sydney faces a 4% cap and must cut $25 million from its budget, while Northern Beaches ratepayers will see a 25% increase over two years.

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Overview

  • The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) denied North Sydney Council's request for an 87% rate hike, capping the increase at 4% for the next financial year.
  • Northern Beaches Council's proposed 39.6% rate hike was partially approved, allowing a 25% increase over two years instead.
  • North Sydney Council must cut $25 million from its budget to avoid a liquidity crisis, largely due to cost overruns on the $122 million North Sydney Olympic Pool redevelopment.
  • Other councils received varying approvals: Shoalhaven (12% one-off), Upper Hunter Shire (33% over three years), Federation (70% over two years), and Gunnedah (38% over two years).
  • IPART based its decisions on statutory criteria and public feedback, urging councils to explore alternative funding strategies and community engagement.