Changes in NSW will see council rate rises introduced more gradually.

An amendment to the Local Government Amendment Bill 202 passed through the NSW Parliament’s Upper House last week, allowing council rate increases as a result of amalgamations to be staggered. 

The legislation also includes clauses which will see councils able to pay superannuation to their mayors and councillors for the first time, bringing them into line with other workers in NSW.

Additional reforms contained in the legislation passed by the NSW Parliament include:

  • Greater transparency on rates notices, so the Emergency Services Levy (ESL) imposed by the State Government is clearly identified and no longer hidden inside the total rates item

  • An increase in the term of chairs of county councils to two years 

  • Increasing flexibility through new rating categories to allow for more efficient and equitable allocation of rates.

  • Setting a time limit for the Minister for Local Government to make public any reports on de-amalgamation proposals, making the process more transparent for affected communities

The NSW Government has also pledged to to align council rates with population growth, to ensure councils have sufficient funding to provide the infrastructure and services their growing communities need, through work being undertaken via the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal.

Local Government NSW (LGNSW) President Linda Scott has welcomed the changes. 

“Amalgamating two or more councils means differing rate structures and service provision needed to be bought into a fair alignment for all ratepayers in the new local government area,” Cr Scott said.

“We’re pleased and grateful that the NSW Parliament has listened to councils and saved communities from potential hip pocket pain.

“Councillor superannuation means fairer compensation for hard working local government representatives.

“Fairer compensation means a wider range of candidates will consider running for local government, especially women and other minority sections of our community, and that means councils that truly represent our communities.”