Table of Contents
The proposed Special Rate Variation (SVR) by Hawkesbury City Council is shaping up to be one of the most contentious local issues in years, with thousands of residents voicing opposition ahead of the final decision scheduled for Tuesday, November 18.
Community sentiment appears to be running strongly against the rate rise, a telephone poll commission by Council allegedly shows 70% of residents oppose the proposal, compared to around 30% in support.
The Hawkesbury Gazette understands around 2,500 written submissions have already been received by Council, reflecting a groundswell of concern about affordability, transparency, and trust in local government.
Adding to public unease, Council has refused to comment on reports regarding information given in its telephone survey. Several residents have reported receiving calls in which respondents were told that the “average rates paid in the Hawkesbury are around $1,000” a figure local have described as misleading and “out of touch” with the reality faced by households, farmers, and small business owners who often pay many times that amount.
“If Council really believes the average rates bill here is $1,000, they’re living in a different Hawkesbury,” said Mick Jabour of North Richmond. “This shows how disconnected the decision-making process has become.”
The rate variation, if approved, would represent a significant increase in the Council’s revenue over the next few years, justified by claims of financial sustainability and infrastructure renewal. However, many residents argue that the Council has not demonstrated adequate accountability or efficiency in its spending, and that ratepayers are being asked to foot the bill for poor financial management.
Community leaders have also questioned the timing of the proposal, given the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and the devastating impacts of floods, bushfires, and inflation on local families and businesses.
“People are doing it tough,” said Phil Bamford Hawkesbury Business Group that represents median and large businesses. “Council should be focusing on restoring trust and delivering services, not pushing through a rate rise when the community clearly isn’t on board.”
According to Bamford, Council has many other potential revenue streams. One example is its more than 400 properties, many of which are under-utilised.
"For example car parks that could be turned into residential and or commercial buildings up to 12 m high. The car parking areas could double and the council would retain the improved asset on a long lease thus generating a very solid income streams. This in turn helps generate accommodation and employment both needed in our community.
If the rate rise is endorsed at the Tuesday November 18 Council meeting, the next step will be for Council to prepare its formal submission to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART). That submission must be lodged no later than February 2, 2025.
Following that, IPART will conduct its own independent community consultation before deciding on whether the rate rise can proceed meaning local voices will still have another opportunity to be heard.
