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What was IPART's decision?
On 2 June 2026, the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) approved North Sydney Council’s application for a Special Rate Variation (SRV).
Council had sought a cumulative increase of 52.66% over three years to address long-term financial sustainability challenges, support infrastructure renewal and maintain the delivery of services.
The approved increase of 52.66% cumulative over three years means that minimum rates will be :
• 2026–27: $970.72
• 2027–28: $1,116.32
• 2028–29: $1,216.79
Read the full IPART determination
What does this mean for ratepayers?
From 1 July 2026, rates will begin to increase in line with the approved SRV. The increase will be reflected in your ordinary residential or business rate — the line highlighted on your annual rate notice.
All other charges on your rate notice — including the Infrastructure Levy, Environmental Levy and Stormwater Management Service Charge — are not affected by the SRV.
Council understands the impact any increase in household costs can have on residents and businesses. If you are experiencing financial hardship, support is available — see the section below.
How will the additional funds be used?
The primary focus of the SRV is infrastructure renewal and reducing the backlog of ageing assets. Funding will also support improved organisational systems, governance and service delivery.
What’s being delivered
• Playground upgrades at Ilbery Reserve, Berry Island Reserve and Tunks Park
• Expanded road, footpath and stormwater drainage renewals across the LGA
• Critical renewal works at the North Sydney Indoor Sports Centre
• Public domain upgrades in North Sydney CBD and village centres
• Accessibility improvements to parks and public spaces
• Greater investment in walking, cycling and road safety
• Strengthened maintenance and renewal of community buildings and facilities
• Tree planting and ongoing park care
• Community programs, services and events
• Expanded climate resilience and sustainability initiatives
The SRV approval means Council can restore ageing assets, plan capital works more effectively, and deliver a broader program of improvements across every part of the LGA:
Draft Delivery Program 2025–2029 and Operational Plan 2025–2026 and Budget 2026 - 2027
Why was a Special Rate Variation considered?
North Sydney Council applied to IPART for a Special Rate Variation to address a significant and growing gap between the costs of delivering services and maintaining infrastructure, and the revenue available under the standard rate peg.
For several years, the cost of maintaining Council’s infrastructure and delivering services has outpaced the income Council receives. The standard rate peg — set annually by IPART — has not kept pace with rising construction costs, material and supply chain pressures, or the cost of maintaining an ageing asset base.
Council’s asset portfolio includes roads, footpaths, drainage, parks, community buildings, sports facilities, pools and public spaces. Many of these assets are ageing and require renewal. Without sufficient funding, the backlog of works grows, assets deteriorate and the cost of future repairs increases.
Council sought a cumulative increase of 52.66% over three years to:
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Address the infrastructure renewal backlog
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Maintain the quality of services the community relies on
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Restore long-term financial sustainability
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Reduce reliance on debt and one-off measures to fund essential works
The application followed a detailed review of Council’s long-term financial position, infrastructure needs and service requirements.
Community engagement
Council undertook a comprehensive two-phase community engagement program before lodging its application with IPART. This involved residents, businesses, community groups and other key stakeholders across North Sydney.
IPART also conducted its own independent review of Council’s application, financial position and supporting evidence before making its determination.
Read Council's Community Engagement Report
What has Council done to reduce costs?
Since 2023, North Sydney Council has implemented a comprehensive program of reform to reduce costs, increase revenue and improve efficiency before seeking any additional funding through rates.
This work has delivered more than $7.3 million in confirmed savings and additional revenue to date. This includes:
- 2 million per year in ongoing direct cost savings,
- $1.7 million per year in additional revenue and
- $5.3 million in one-off savings.
A further $3.7 million per year in costs has been avoided through proactive initiatives, representing expenditure that would otherwise have required higher rates to fund. More than 35,000 staff hours per year have been freed through efficiency improvements and reinvested into service delivery.
Collectively, these efforts have reduced the scale of the rate increase Council needed to seek by a cumulative 14.9% over the three-year SRV period.
Council's Productivity and Improvement Plan details every initiative, saving and efficiency gain achieved across the organisation. It forecasts more than $52 million in cumulative savings and additional income over the next 10 years, including $23 million in reduced expenditure and $29 million in increased income.
This work continues. Council remains committed to finding further savings and efficiencies, and to being transparent about how ratepayers' money is managed.
→ Read Council’s Productivity and Improvement Plan
→ Read Council’s Long-Term Financial Plan
→ Read the Draft Delivery Program 2025–2029 and Operational Plan and Budget 2026–2027
What if I can't afford my rates?
Council understands that any increase in household costs can be difficult, particularly given broader cost-of-living pressures.
If you are experiencing financial hardship, you may be eligible for:
- A Pensioner Concession Rates Rebate
- A Financial Hardship arrangement — including deferred payment or instalment plans
Please contact Council on 02 9936 8100, email us at council@northsydney.nsw.gov.au or visit the Customer Service Centre to discuss your individual circumstances.