Community invited to have a say on proposed rate increases
Published on 16 October 2026
Yass Valley residents are being encouraged to consider the options and have their say on potential rate increases, following Council's decision to commence formal community engagement.
At Wednesday's Extraordinary Meeting, Councillors acknowledged the need to address Council's significant financial challenges, including rising operating costs, ageing infrastructure and ongoing debt commitments.
An independent financial review identified an annual funding gap of $8.3 million from next financial year. Councillors agreed to seek community feedback on three potential rate increase options, based on a 55.8% increase above the rate peg implemented over one, two or three years. All models reach the same cumulative total of 70.74% increase three years after adoption with the difference being how quickly the increases would be introduced.
Mayor Jasmin Jones acknowledged the difficult choices facing Council and the community.
"Your voice matters and we need to hear from everyone including residents whether you own or rent, businesses, farmers, pensioners, young families, community and sporting organisations, and from communities across Yass, Murrumbateman, the villages and rural areas.
"We understand many households and businesses are experiencing pressure from the rising cost of goods and services.
"Council is also not immune to these same challenges and has reviewed its operations to identify efficiencies however these savings or even service cuts collectively will not correct our cash position, and we have limited opportunities to increase income in the short term,” said Mayor Jones.
Council CEO Gayleen Burley said the engagement would focus on helping residents understand the options and their impact.
"Importantly, any proposed increase would only apply to the general rates component of a rates bill, not the total bill, which also includes other charges.
"We're providing fact sheets, answers to common questions and an online rates calculator so residents can understand what each option could mean for them and provide informed feedback.”
Community engagement will run for six weeks across October and November, with surveys and submissions available through Council's Your Voice Counts portal, supported by workshops, drop-in sessions and discussion booths at community events, beginning at the Murrumbateman Field Days this weekend.
Council will consider community feedback, financial hardship measures and opportunities for further savings before deciding in December whether to apply for a Special Rate Variation.
If Council proceeds, an application will be submitted to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) in February 2027, with a determination expected by May or June ahead of the 2027/28 financial year.
Residents can explore the options, calculate their potential rates impact and have their say through Council's Your Voice Counts engagement portal: SRV Engagement - Planning Our Sustainable Future | Your Voice Counts