Investing in our Future | Special Rate Variation

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Consultation has concluded

UPDATE: The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal announced its approval of Council's application for a cumulative rate increase of 45.3% from 2016 to 2020 on 17 May 2016. For further information refer to the news item below.


Wingecarribee Shire Council provides services and facilities across 22 towns and villages and 46 rural localities spread across an area the same size as the Sydney Metropolitan Area. Servicing an area of this size is a challenge and like many other NSW councils, our roads, footpaths, buildings, drainage and other community assets are getting old and need to be upgraded.

Our assets in their current state are continually deteriorating and need costly maintenance. To improve our public assets and meet the needs of our community we need to spend more money on renewal and upgrade work but costs are rising while rate revenue is limited.

We need your help to make some important decisions. Without a rate increase we won't be able to maintain our essential infrastructure and services. Three scenarios have been developed for consideration. These include the option to not seek a special rate variation and allow our assets to DETERIORATE. The second and third scenarios seek rate increases to allow our assets to be MAINTAINED or IMPROVED.

Following surveys earlier in 2015 Council took a further step towards a possible rate variation by resolving to exhibit three draft documents:
  • Draft Delivery Program 2013-17 (Revised Dec 2015)
  • Draft Long Term Financial Plan 2016-2026
  • Draft Strategic Asset Management Plan 2016-2026
The exhibition concluded at 9am Monday 1 February 2016. Staff are now collating submissions and will report these to the 10 February 2016 meeting of Council.

Take a look through the document library and frequently asked questions to learn more about the
‘Investing in our Future’ proposal and specific transport,
building, park, environment and stormwater projects that Council would address as priorities under a
special rate variation.

UPDATE: The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal announced its approval of Council's application for a cumulative rate increase of 45.3% from 2016 to 2020 on 17 May 2016. For further information refer to the news item below.


Wingecarribee Shire Council provides services and facilities across 22 towns and villages and 46 rural localities spread across an area the same size as the Sydney Metropolitan Area. Servicing an area of this size is a challenge and like many other NSW councils, our roads, footpaths, buildings, drainage and other community assets are getting old and need to be upgraded.

Our assets in their current state are continually deteriorating and need costly maintenance. To improve our public assets and meet the needs of our community we need to spend more money on renewal and upgrade work but costs are rising while rate revenue is limited.

We need your help to make some important decisions. Without a rate increase we won't be able to maintain our essential infrastructure and services. Three scenarios have been developed for consideration. These include the option to not seek a special rate variation and allow our assets to DETERIORATE. The second and third scenarios seek rate increases to allow our assets to be MAINTAINED or IMPROVED.

Following surveys earlier in 2015 Council took a further step towards a possible rate variation by resolving to exhibit three draft documents:
  • Draft Delivery Program 2013-17 (Revised Dec 2015)
  • Draft Long Term Financial Plan 2016-2026
  • Draft Strategic Asset Management Plan 2016-2026
The exhibition concluded at 9am Monday 1 February 2016. Staff are now collating submissions and will report these to the 10 February 2016 meeting of Council.

Take a look through the document library and frequently asked questions to learn more about the
‘Investing in our Future’ proposal and specific transport,
building, park, environment and stormwater projects that Council would address as priorities under a
special rate variation.

  • IPART submissions

    Full details about the assessment criteria for Special Variations, the detailed proposal submitted by council and how to lodge a submission can be found at www.ipart.nsw.gov.au.

    Community members can make submissions directly to IPART until 14 March 2016, and these submissions will be considered as part of IPART's determination.

    Consultation has concluded
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  • CLOSED: The opportunity to comment on exhibited documents has concluded.

    Submission Form (IPR Docs)

    Please visit the Document Library to review the current documents on exhibition:

    Provide your feedback below by 1 February 2016.

    Registration is required if you wish to complete the submission form. Your privacy is protected and it's quick and easy to register - just complete the form and confirm registration via your email inbox. All responses will be recorded for reporting to Council however personal details will not be included and confidentiality will be maintained. 
    Consultation has concluded
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  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Special Rate Variation survey

    Your feedback will help Council decide if it should consider a special rate variation or rate increase as a way to meet community expectations of services and infrastructure.

    Please review the fact sheets prepared for the 3 options and associated documents or FAQ before providing your feedback.

    Registration is required if you wish to complete the survey. Your privacy is protected and it's quick and easy to register - just complete the form and confirm registration via your email inbox.

    All responses will be recorded for reporting to Council however personal details will not be included and confidentiality will be maintained. 

    Tell us your preferred option by 2 November 2015.


    Consultation has concluded
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