Rate hikes for eight NSW areas after green light from tribunal

Residents in eight New South Wales areas will face council rate hikes after a green light from the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).

Nine councils submitted applications for rate hikes, five of which were approved in full, while one was declined.

Narrandera Shire Council will see a 48.1 per cent increase in rate costs over two years, with the first hike at 25 per cent in 2024-25 followed by a second increase of 18 per cent in 2025-26.

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Meanwhile, Randwick City Council residents will see an 11.6 per cent in rates over the next year.

Tamworth Regional Council will see a 36.6 per cent over the next two years, split into two increases, the first being an 18 per cent increase this year, followed by a 15 per cent increase next year.

Willoughby City Council will see a 15 per cent increase in rates over the next year.

Blayney Shire Council residents can expect a 33.1 per cent in rates over the next three years, with a 10 per cent increase every year until 2027.

Three other councils submitted applications for rate hikes, which were partially approved.

Goulburn Mulwaree Council applied for a 51.2 per cent increase over two years, but was approved for a 22 per cent increase for 2024-25.

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Griffith City Council applied for a 34.9 per cent rate hike, but was approved for a 22 per cent cumulative increase over two years.

Kempsey Shire Council applied for a 42.7 per cent increase over three years, but was approved for a 24.09 per cent cumulative increase over 2 years, split into two 10.5 per cent hikes.

"Every year IPART sets a rate peg for each council in NSW which caps the maximum amount councils can increase the general income they collect from ratepayers (rates income)," the Tribunal said.

"IPART set the core rate peg for 2024-25 between 4.5 per cent to 5.5 per cent.

"There is also an allowance for some councils that experienced population growth."

The Snowy Valleys Council applied for a 42.38 per cent increase but was denied.