NORTH SYDNEY COUNCIL’S 87% RATE RISE REJECTED

In a victory for people power, community and truth, the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) has sensationally rejected in full North Sydney Council’s proposed 87% rate rise. The decision means Council will be limited to a 4% increase in 2025-26.

Member for Willoughby Tim James said IPART’s decision was a vindication of what the community had been telling Council all along. “An 87% rate increase was nothing but overreach that Council should never have proposed,” Mr James said.

“IPART was damning of Council, saying the size of the proposed increase was not reasonable. Council also failed to demonstrate the financial need was justified.”

“IPART has confirmed this was never about the North Sydney pool project. It found this was in effect a cash grab intent on generating large surpluses to inflate Council’s cash reserves. During a cost-of-living crisis this was a contemptible and out of touch impost on hardworking residents and small businesses already struggling to make ends meet.”

“The community spoke up – and we were heard. I received countless messages from locals concerned about the impact, and I thank everyone who took the time to raise their voice.”

“Council may have snubbed the people of North Sydney but the process has worked and this win is our community’s.”

“IPART further found Council failed to adequately consider alternatives to such a large rate increase, with token savings measures representing only 0.4% of expenses. Concerningly, Council also gave little thought to the impact on small businesses.”

“This is a Council that clearly needs to get their house in order. IPART has told Council to return to return to the drawing board, properly engage with ratepayers and explore cost saving and productivity improvements. Financial management is more than just treating ratepayers as a cash cow.”

“I call on North Sydney Council to start listening to the community it represents,” Mr James concluded.

IPART’s report can be viewed at: https://www.ipart.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/cm9_documents/Final-Report-North-Sydney-Council-Special-Variation-and-Minimum-Rate-Application-for-2025-26-May-2025.PDF