At the October meeting, Ku-ring-gai Council voted to seek a rate increase of almost 30% through a special rate variation.
Councillors adopted the motion to revise the Delivery Program and Operational Plan, and apply for a 24.6% SRV plus a 4.4% rate peg for the 2026/2027 financial year. All councillors except Cr Spencer and Cr Pettett voted for the motion.
The SRV will allocate approximately $20.7 million towards crucial infrastructure improvements, addressing community needs across several areas:
- Stormwater and Drainage: $5.9 million
- Buildings: $6.7 million
- Recreational Facilities: $1.9 million
- Existing Footpaths: $0.94 million
- New Footpaths: $2.1 million
- Other Infrastructure Upgrades: $1.7 million
- St Ives Indoor Sports Centre: $1.46 million
During the meeting discussion, Cr Balachandran put forward an amendment that moved funds garnered by the possible SRV from the allocated footpath budget towards restoring the historic Marian Street Theatre. The amendment was lost.
Council will decide in December whether to proceed with an application to the Independent Pricing & Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) to seek a rate variation, after considering public feedback.
‘Ku-ring-gai has the second lowest number of staff per capita for Sydney councils and our capacity to trim back further is limited,’ said Ku-ring-gai Mayor Christine Kay. ‘The increase in rates will allow us to invest in new footpaths, recreational facilities and infrastructure upgrades. I’d encourage community members to consider the reasons why the Council needs to act and have a say on this crucial issue.’
