At this week’s Extraordinary Council Meeting, Councillors adopted three major plans that will shape the year ahead and beyond:
- 2025–26 Operational Plan – outlines annual services and projects
- 2025–2029 Delivery Program – sets Council’s strategic direction over four years
- 2025–2029 Resourcing Strategy – guides long-term financial, asset and workforce planning
These plans also include Council’s budget and fees and charges, effective from 1 July 2025.
Note: These plans were revised following IPART’s decision to decline Council’s application for a special rate variation. Community consultation on the revised plans ran from 27 May to 24 June.
What this means for you
Projects Going Ahead in 2025–26
Despite financial constraints, several key projects will proceed using non-rate funding or existing budgets:
- 350 new trees planted in streets, parks and reserves
- 60 EV charging bays installed in Council car parks
- Critical renewal works at North Sydney Indoor Sports Centre
- New policy to charge for commercial use of public open space
- 4 Local Area Traffic Management (LATM) projects
- Bus shelter renewals
- Design and consultation for Woodley’s Shed community facility
- New development application platform to streamline approvals
Financial Repair and Service Adjustments
Council will deliver a $6 million financial repair program through:
- Cost-saving measures, including potential service reductions
- Productivity improvements
- Increased non-rate revenue, including a review of Council’s property portfolio
Any service changes or new income opportunities will be subject to Council reports and further community consultation.
Infrastructure renewal spending will be reduced by $12.5 million, with a focus on maintaining critical assets.
Over the four year period, many strategic initiatives may be deferred or cancelled unless external funding is secured.
A revised Long-Term Financial Plan will be developed in 2025–26 following additional financial modelling and community engagement.
Community Consultation Continues
More than 135 submissions were received during public exhibition of the revised plans.
Residents strongly supported maintaining services like:
- Clean streets
- Parks and gardens
- Community centres
- Stanton Library
Council will continue to seek community input on:
- Which services to maintain, reduce or enhance
- Willingness to pay for service levels
- Infrastructure standards and expectations
Rates and Charges for 2025–26
Ordinary rates will increase by 4% (rate peg limit).
Domestic waste charges range from $485 to $1,419 depending on bin size.
Stormwater charges remain capped at $25 for residential and $5 for strata business properties.
Fees and Charges Schedule
Most fees have increased by 2.9%, in line with inflation.
Development application fees updated to match NSW Government rates.
Coal Loader garden allotment fees simplified to a flat rate per bed.
View Council meeting Report and Minutes
Delivery Program and Operational Plan