North Sydney residents spared 90 per cent rate hike after IPART decision

Ratepayers in North Sydney have been spared a near 90 per cent rate hike, with the application from the council quashed.

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) made the call to block North Sydney Council's move to raise rates by 87 per cent over two years.

"There was a lack of clarity about the reason for such a large increase with people believing it was related only to the North Sydney pool redevelopment, when in fact it was going to substantially increase their surpluses," IPART chair Carmel Donnely said.

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But across the Spit, it's a different story, with IPART ruling that residents on the Northern Beaches will pay more – although less than what the council asked for.

Instead of a 40 per cent rate increase over three years, ratepayers can expect a 25 per cent hike by 2027, which will deliver the council a further $50 million.

"Our financials were starting to slide backward," Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said. 

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Northern Beaches Councillor Vincent De Luca criticised the rate increase.

"Council has failed to tighten its own belt. Instead, it's even increasing its staff," he said.

IPART also approved rate rises in four other councils, including a 69.94 per cent in Federation Council, and 37.67 per cent in Gunnedah Shire.

Shoalhaven Council will increase rates by 12 per cent, and the Upper Hunter Shire by 33 per cent.

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