UPDATE: In a pivotal meeting, the Hawkesbury Council voted to apply for a Special Rate Variation (SRV), leading to an alarming 39.4% increase in general rates over the next four years. The decision was confirmed just moments ago, with an average rise of approximately 8.66% starting in 2026-27.
The vote, which passed with a 7-4 majority, was spearheaded by Labor’s Cr Amanda Kotlash. The motion faced significant opposition, with dissenting councillors voicing concerns about the financial burden on local households. Mayor Cr Les Sheather and six other councillors supported the measure, while Crs Mike Creed, Shane Djuric, Paul Veigel, and Nathan Zamprogno pushed for a delay to reassess the Council’s financial strategy.
The urgency of this decision has been underscored by the overwhelming response from residents, with over 2,300 submissions received regarding the proposed rate hike. Many residents expressed frustration over rising costs directly connected to Council decisions, highlighting the need for fiscal responsibility.
During the heated discussions, one resident bluntly criticized the council’s financial management, stating that officials lacked a “business brain.” Another described the current financial predicament as a “little fire” that the Council has been “pouring oil onto.” This sentiment resonated deeply, as many households are already feeling the financial strain.
Cr Creed’s amendment aimed to postpone the SRV until at least 2027-28, advocating for a comprehensive review of the Council’s spending and a revised rating structure that considers residents’ capacity to pay. Despite gaining traction, the amendment failed, reflecting a contentious divide within the council.
This critical vote consumed over two hours of the meeting, ultimately overshadowing other agenda items. The initial part of the meeting had brought good news, with the NSW Government auditor delivering a clean audit opinion for the 2024-25 statements, but this optimism quickly faded amid the SRV debate.
Residents raised pressing questions about council spending, including the increasing staff numbers and questionable expenditures, such as tree plantings in inappropriate locations. One speaker even challenged councillors on the necessity of attending conferences in distant hotels, further fueling the debate over fiscal prudence.
With the council’s decision to proceed with the SRV, the implications for local residents are significant. Many community members prefer sticking to the current rate peg, with survey data indicating that about 70% of respondents would rather see cuts to services than accept higher rates.
As the meeting concluded, the broader implications of the council’s choice loomed large. Those in favor of the increase must now prepare to defend their decision against a backdrop of public dissent. Meanwhile, those who opposed it face pressure to outline alternative solutions, raising the stakes for future council meetings.
The urgency of these developments cannot be understated. Residents of Hawkesbury now face the reality of a proposed 39.4% rate hike, affecting every household in the region. As the council embarks on this new financial journey, the community will closely monitor the impact of this significant decision on their day-to-day lives.
Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving situation as the Hawkesbury Council navigates the challenges ahead.
