Sydney Council Approves Controversial 87% Rate Hike Over Two Years

The council's decision, tied to financial challenges and a costly pool redevelopment, faces backlash from residents during a heated meeting.

North Sydney Council voted 7-3 in favor of an 87% rate increase over two years, requiring approval from the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).
The decision follows financial strain attributed to rising service costs, declining revenues, and a $122 million Olympic pool redevelopment project.
Residents voiced strong opposition during a contentious council meeting, citing cost-of-living pressures and criticizing the consultation process as insufficient.
Supporters of the hike argued that current rates are unsustainably low and that the increase is necessary to maintain essential services.
The rate hike would see minimum residential rates more than double by mid-2026, with a 45% increase in 2025-26 followed by a 29% rise the next year.