Special Rates Variation

Options for a sustainable Lithgow

Special Rate Variation

Council has submitted an application to IPART for a permanent increase to land rates in accordance with the Council resolution of 23 January 2023.

The overall income from land rates will increase by a maximum of 45.7% (including a 3.7% rate peg). Council has committed to limiting any increase in the residential, farming and business (general) rating categories to 27.7% (including the 3.7% rate peg) with the balance of the SRV funds required to be levied against the business power generation sub-category, mining category and a new quarrying business sub-category or sub-categories.

View application
There are some important decisions that Council must make about the future of our assets and services. We need your input.

Over the last twelve months, Council has undertaken a comprehensive review of its finances, as well as the assets and services it provides to our community.

Through our community surveys, Council has heard what is important to you. Residents want to see a greater focus on road maintenance, economic development and diversification and provision of services and facilities for our
youth.

Council’s ability to maintain our local community’s assets and deliver the outcomes residents want is constrained by our financial resources. Compared to very similar councils, Lithgow City Council collects considerably less rating
income. An external review of our financial position assesses that Council requires an additional $4.75 million annually to meet existing levels of service – mostly related to roads. Council also believes it requires a further $1.25 million annually to provide additional economic and other services that will put our community in the strongest possible position to respond to local economic challenges and grasp local opportunities.

There are two options for your to consider for Resourcing our Future. We encourage you to review the options detailed below and have your say on which option you prefer.

• Option 1 proposes a single year rate increase of 45.7% (including rate peg of 3.7%) to MAINTAIN service levels. The increase would remain permanently in the rate base.
• Option 2 proposes increasing rates ONLY by the annual rate peg increase set by IPART – which will REDUCE service levels.

Option 1

Service Levels Maintained

Under OPTION 1, we can continue to maintain the Council’s services and $530 million of infrastructure assets. We can also build capacity in Council’s organisation to improve its financial sustainability and performance in future years.

If you prefer Option 1 ‘Maintained’ We:

  • Maintain roads, Footpaths, town centres and buildings to a level agreed with the community
  • Address Council’s infrastructure renewal backlog over time
  • Maintain services to the community, including playing fields, parks, Aquatic Centre, libraries and community facilities.
  • Improve Council`s financial sustainability and performance, including supporting local economic diversification.

Option 2

Service Levels Reduced

Under OPTION 2, Council would develop a plan prioritising essential services and reduce more discretionary services. The focus would be managing risk, including closure or removal of unsafe infrastructure. This plan would be developed and finalised with extensive community consultation.

If you prefer Option 2 ‘Reduced’ Council will:

  • Present a plan that prioritises essential services, that scales back the provision of infrastructure and services to align with existing Council revenues.
  • Reduce services for community and recreation facilities, less capacity to support and advocate for community services, closure of unsafe facilities.
  • Continue to reduce services as service levels will not be sufficient to ensure assets reach the end of their assumed asset lives.

How will Option 1 affect your rates?

The tables below are indicative of the average rates.  Use the Rates Calculator to estimate the impact of change for your property.

 

Residential, Farmland and Business
Option 1 Annual Rate Increase (%)
2023/24
Rate peg (expected annual increase)
3.7%
Special Rate Variation (SRV)
24.%
Total Annual Increase
27.7%

How will Option 2 affect your rates?

The tables below are indicative of the average rates.  Use the Rates Calculator to estimate the impact of change for your property.

 

Residential, Farmland and Business
Option 1 Annual Rate Increase (%)
2023/24
Rate peg (expected annual increase)
3.7%
Total Annual Increase
3.7%
Option 1 for Residential Ratepayers
Average Rates 2022/23
$869.26
Add Rate peg 3.7%
$32.16
Add SRV 24%
$208.62
Average Rates 2023/24
$1,110.04
Annual Change
$240.78
Weekly Change
$4.63
Option 2 for Residential Ratepayers
Average Rates 2022/23
$869.26
Add Rate peg 3.7%
$32.16
Average Rates 2023/24
$901.42
Annual Change
$32.16
Weekly Change
$0.62
Option 1 For Farmland Ratepayers
Average Rates 2022/23
$1,705.50
Add Rate peg 3.7%
$63.10
Add SRV 24%
$409.32
Average Rates 2023/24
$2,177.92
Annual Change
$472.42
Weekly Change
$9.09
Option 2 for Farmland Ratepayers
Average Rates 2022/23
$1,705.50
Add Rate peg 3.7%
$63.10
Average Rates 2023/24
$1,768.60
Annual Change
$63.10
Weekly Change
$1.21
Option 1 for Business Ratepayers
Average Rates 2022/23
$4,214.67
Add Rate peg 3.7%
$155.94
Add SRV 24%
$1,011.52
Average Rates 2023/24
$5,382.13
Annual Change
$1,167.46
Weekly Change
$22.45
Option 2 for Business Ratepayers
Average Rates 2022/23
$4,214.67
Add Rate peg 3.7%
$155.94
Average Rates 2023/24
$4,370.61
Annual Change
$155.94
Weekly Change
$3.00

Download Technical Paper

Technical paper regarding the rating review

Have Your Say

Register and have your say about Option 1 or Option 2

Try Rates Calculator

If you know the value of your property you can get an estimate of rates.