Council Endorses Special Rate Variation Application

Published on 21 November 2023

At the Council Meeting held on Tuesday 21 November 2023, Councillors discussed the matter of applying for a Special Rate Variation (SRV). After careful consideration and deliberation, Council endorsed the decision to proceed with its application.

Council will now apply to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for a SRV with a permanent rate increase to be phased in over a three-year period as follows:

• 22.50% in 2024/25 (including the rate peg)
• 16.0% in 2025/26 (including the rate peg)

• 6.4% in 2026/27 (rate peg is not applicable)

This endorsement signifies Council’s support for pursuing the SRV to address the specific needs and requirements of our region now and into the future.

Council also endorsed additional provisions for its Hardship Policy and the Pensioner Concession Policy.

Mayor Peter Walker says: “In light of the community's feedback, Council has expanded its Hardship Policy. This enhancement is targeted to provide additional support to those in financial distress, ensuring equitable and fair implementation of the SRV. The change includes a new SRV provision that enables ratepayers who experience distress to enter into an arrangement for up to three years to repay outstanding rates with no interest applied to the debt, provided repayments are made as agreed”.

“To further support our community, particularly the elderly, Council has also endorsed a revised Pensioner Concession Policy. The first year of the proposed SRV will see an increase in the pensioner rebate by $75 per annum, escalating to $100 per annum in the second and subsequent years. This initiative is part of our ongoing effort to support the most vulnerable members of our community.” Mayor Walker continued.