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The community of the Hawkesbury region is voicing mounting concern and frustration over the Council’s plan to raise rates by nearly 40 per cent over the next three years, a proposal that residents say is too steep, too opaque, and coming at the worst time for many.
Council is consulting on a Special Rate Variation (SRV) of 11.73 per cent each year from 2026/27 for three years, followed by the normal rate peg. If approved, the increase would become permanent into the base rate. Council says the funds are needed to tackle a backlog of infrastructure renewal, especially roads, stormwater and public assets, currently estimated at $99 million, escalating to as much as $170 million over the next decade if no action is taken.
Community reaction: anxiety, anger and demands for accountability
The mood among residents ranges from anger to frustration. Many say they already pay significant rates and feel they aren’t seeing value for money. One petition against the rise has already gathered more than 1,700 signatures, with comments such as:
“The current rates are high enough as it is … now hard-working families are being asked to foot a bill for empty promises.”
Local drivers point to deteriorating road conditions as evidence the Council isn’t getting the basics right:
“These roads are part of our everyday lives … With living costs rising, families shouldn’t have to keep paying to repair tyres and suspensions.”
The numbers matter – and the compounding effect
While 11.73 per cent annually may sound manageable, critics say the real-world impact is far greater due to compounding, adding up to around 39-40 per cent total. On top of a previous permanent rate rise of ~31 per cent approved in 2018, the total burden on households could rise well over 70 per cent within a decade.
Key concerns raised by residents
- Value for money: Many say they aren’t seeing results from past rate rises and want a clear ledger of what was delivered and where.
- Transparency and delivery risk: There is scepticism about whether the Council’s “more kilometres of road rehab” will translate to improved outcomes, especially given past delays and washed-out repairs.
- Affordability and cost-of-living: With many local households facing pressure from mortgage/rent, utilities and inflation, an extra permanent rate burden is seen by some as unfair and poorly timed.
- Alternatives and prioritisation: Residents expect Council to show alternatives for instance, land sales, debt financing, grants or efficiency savings instead of immediately resorting to a large permanent rate hike.
Council’s position
Council argues that without additional funding it will be unable to keep pace with renewal needs, the backlog will grow, and local infrastructure will deteriorate further.
What happens next
- Public information sessions have been scheduled close this Sunday 26 october 2025.
- Submissions from residents will be collated and presented to Councillors before being submitted to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for approval. The process should be concluded by around May 2026.
For many in the Hawkesbury, this is not just about numbers, it’s about trust and deliverables. Ratepayers want proof that past increases delivered results; that the Council can manage the program; that affordability is respected; and that any forward investment is clearly tied to outcome improvements – not simply cost shifting.
If the rate increase proceeds without these reassurances, the backlash may be lasting. Either way, the results of October’s consultation could shape the trajectory of Hawkesbury’s community-services and infrastructure for years.
