Council Defers Decision on SRV Consultation Process

Published on 13 November 2025

At its Extraordinary Meeting on Wednesday, 12 November, Yass Valley Council resolved to defer a decision about undertaking a community consultation process for a proposed Special Rate Variation (SRV) while it undertakes a deeper review of alternative financial options.

Council acknowledged the progress made by the new executive team and the recently elected Councillors in improving the organisation’s financial position over the past 12 months.

Council directed further work to:

• Identify additional efficiency and cost-saving measures across Council operations.
• Explore opportunities to increase non-rate income through Council-owned land, commercial partnerships, outsourcing, and Voluntary Planning Agreements.
• Verify the rating database to confirm all properties are correctly classified and rate income is maximised.
• Update growth and revenue projections to reflect approved developments.
• Conduct modelling of longer-term (4–7 year) SRV options, should it still be required.

Council reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, fiscal responsibility and community confidence by ensuring that a Special Rate Variation is only pursued after all practical alternatives have been fully examined.

A report on these findings will be presented to Council in March 2026.