Residents across the district are being urged to speak up as Hawkesbury City Council seeks approval for a significant rate increase above the State’s annual rate peg.

The proposal has been lodged with the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART), which is now calling for community feedback as part of its formal assessment process.

Community submissions are open from Tuesday, 17 February to Monday, 9 March 2026.

IPART has confirmed that feedback from ratepayers is a crucial part of its decision-making process.

What Is a Special Variation?

Each year, IPART sets a “rate peg” the maximum percentage councils can increase their general rate income.

For 2026–27, rate pegs across NSW range from 2.5% to 4.2%, with some councils receiving additional allowances linked to population growth.

If a council wants to raise rates beyond that cap, it must apply for a Special Variation (SV). These applications can run for one year or multiple years (up to seven) and may be temporary or permanent.

Councils often argue that special variations are needed to maintain essential services, upgrade ageing infrastructure, or address financial sustainability challenges.

IPART assesses applications against strict criteria set by the Office of Local Government. In particular, it considers whether the council has:

• Clearly demonstrated the need for additional income
• Properly informed the community about the size and impact of the proposed increase
• Shown that the impact on ratepayers is reasonable
• Adopted appropriate long-term financial and strategic planning documents
• Identified productivity improvements and cost-saving measures

The Tribunal may also consider any other relevant information.

Why Your Submission Matters

IPART does not simply approve applications automatically. Community sentiment, evidence of hardship, and concerns about financial management are all factors that can influence the outcome.

If you believe the proposed increase is unreasonable particularly during a period of ongoing cost-of-living pressures, you are encouraged to make an online submission directly to IPART before 9 March 2026.

Submissions can address any of the assessment criteria above and explain how the proposed rise would affect you, your family, or your business.

This is the community’s opportunity to be heard before a final determination is made.