Wingecarribee Shire Council has resolved to proceed with an application for a cumulative 34.4% Special Rate Variation (SRV) over three years, from 2027/28 to 2029/30, to support the long-term financial sustainability of the Shire.
The decision follows extensive community engagement undertaken between June and August 2026, which sought feedback on two future funding scenarios designed to address Council’s infrastructure funding challenges and improve the long-term condition of
community assets.
The Application will now be submitted to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) in February 2027 for assessment against criteria established by the NSW Office of Local Government.
Mayor Erin Foley said Councillors carefully considered community feedback alongside Council’s long-term financial forecasts, infrastructure renewal requirements and asset management obligations.
“This has been one of the most significant decisions facing Council and our community.”
“Throughout the engagement process, we heard strong concerns about affordability and cost-of-living pressures, alongside expectations that Council continue pursuing efficiencies, productivity improvements and alternative funding opportunities.
“We also heard that people value well-maintained roads, buildings and essential infrastructure and want Council to address the growing challenges associated with funding these assets into the future.”
More than 2,700 pieces of feedback were received during the engagement period, with key themes including affordability, financial management and efficiency, accountability and transparency, service delivery, expenditure prioritisation and alternative revenue sources.
Mayor Foley said the decision reflects Council’s responsibility to balance current affordability pressures with the long-term financial sustainability of the community’s assets and infrastructure.
“We recognise the impact any increase in rates can have on households, businesses and ratepayers and we do not take this decision lightly.”
“Council has a responsibility to consider not only today’s needs, but also the long-term condition of the infrastructure our community relies on every day.”
Mayor Foley emphasised that submitting an application does not mean the SRV has been approved.
“IPART will independently assess the application before making any determination.”
“Council also welcomes the announcement that proposed changes to the Federal Financial Assistance Grants distribution model by the NSW Grants Commission will not proceed. The proposed changes were estimated to reduce Council’s Federal Assistance Grant funding by approximately $2.78M per year, or around 41 per cent of Council’s current Financial Assistance Grant allocation.
“While this provides greater certainty in the short term, the ongoing reliance on the Federal Financial Assistance Grant and other external funding sources reinforces the need for Council to strengthen its own-source revenue and address long-term infrastructure
funding challenges.”
If approved by IPART, the SRV would be implemented from the 2027/28 financial year
