Rate increase up for community debate

An increase in rates is likely on the cards for Northern Beaches residents, to generate funding for maintenance, infrastructure improvements, environmental programs and community services.

Despite rate income increasing every year, Northern Beaches Council has said the revenue has been less than half the inflation rate. This means rates income is now $24 million lower each year than it would have been if it had been keeping up with inflation.

Additionally, ageing assets and the heavy cost of natural disasters, the COVID-19 pandemic, and ongoing cost shifting to Council from other tiers of Government, are all impacting the Northern Beaches financial sustainability.

In deciding on a rate increase, Council has opened the debate to the entire community with four potential options to be debated on.

The first option proposes a rate increase from 1 July 2025 in line with the NSW Government annual rate peg of 3.8%, which does not meet Council’s need for financial sustainability.

Council is putting forward three alternative options with an increase in rates:

1. Maintain services - fund asset renewal and maintenance gap, environmental and natural risk reduction.
2. Improve services - option 2 + deliver larger renewal projects
3. Increase services - option 3 + accelerate infrastructure delivery and increase services.

Mayor Sue Heins said the investment needed to maintain the local community is escalating.

“Talking with our community about rate increases is challenging, especially when we know the cost of living is hitting hard. We wouldn't be considering these options if we didnt think it was critically important to the future of the Northern Beaches,” said Mayor Heins.

Community engagement starts Monday 18 November and closes Sunday 12 January 2025.

For more information about consultation and online information sessions, visit www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au