To the relief of residents, IPART has rejected North Sydney Council’s request for an 87% rate increase.
Council had submitted an application to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) to increase rates by 45% in 2025/26 and 29% in 2026/27. This rate increase was argued to be able to repair the dire financial situation Council has found itself in, while maintaining existing services, funding the renewal of infrastructure, and delivering for a growing population. Council submitted two applications, with IPART denying both.
Mayor Zoe Baker expressed Council’s disappointment in the decision and suggested that there is an urgent need for the state government to adopt the findings of a March 2024 Upper House inquiry. In the inquiry, recommendations were presented that would allow councils to set their own rates more flexibility.
‘North Sydney Council’s financial position is very well known and has been widely reported in the media over many years. If a council like North Sydney, subject to significant public scrutiny in media across the state, is unable to effect financial repair through applications to IPART, the system is clearly flawed,’ says Mayor Baker.
Despite Council frustration, local politicians are glad to hear the application was denied.
‘Council may have snubbed the people of North Sydney but the process has worked, and this win is our community’s,’ says Member for Willougby, Tim James. ‘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.’
‘This decision is a win for people power and a clear verdict on the overreach of North Sydney Council, who ignored the voices and the needs of our community, while arrogantly pursuing a shopping list of new pet projects at the expense of those who could least afford it,’ says Member for North Shore, Felicity Wilson. ‘In a cost-of-living crisis, North Sydney Council ignored the pleas of residents and small businesses already stretched to the limit. IPART’s decision validates locals’ objections and concerns with Council’s bungled process.’