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Residents across the Hawkesbury are being encouraged to have their say as the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) reviews the council’s proposed 40 per cent rate increase.
The proposal, lodged as part of the 2026–27 Special Rate Variation process, is currently under assessment by IPART, the independent body responsible for regulating council rate increases across New South Wales.
Importantly for residents and businesses, the tribunal is now inviting community feedback including through a short online survey and formal submissions before it makes its final decision.
Final Opportunity for Community Feedback
Under NSW law, councils cannot raise rates above the annual rate cap without approval from IPART. When a council applies for a large increase, the tribunal assesses whether the proposal is justified and whether the community has been properly consulted.
As part of that process, residents can submit their views directly to IPART.
Community members can participate by completing the survey or lodging a written submission through the IPART website at:
The survey takes less than 5 minutes to complete and is anonyous.
Submissions do not need to be lengthy. Even brief comments explaining how a rate increase would affect households, businesses or community organisations are considered by the tribunal.
Why Submissions Matter
IPART reviews each application against a number of criteria, including:
- whether the council has demonstrated a genuine financial need for the increase
- whether the proposed rise is reasonable and affordable for the community
- whether residents were adequately consulted before the application was lodged.
Community feedback forms an important part of the tribunal’s decision-making process.
In previous reviews across NSW, strong community responses have influenced how IPART assesses applications and, in some cases, whether increases are approved in full.
Decision Expected Later This Year
Applications for special rate variations were submitted to IPART earlier this year, with determinations expected to be announced around mid-2026.
If approved, any increase would take effect from 1 July 2026.
For Hawkesbury residents, the current consultation represents the final opportunity to formally express their views before IPART decides whether the proposed 40 per cent rate rise can proceed.
Residents wishing to participate can access the survey and submission form via the IPART website.
