Ratepayers have been whacked with costly bill | Australian Markets

Some Sydney ratepayers have been slugged with a 25 per cent increase in payments, whereas one other council has slammed the system after its software for an virtually 90 per cent hike was rejected.

Northern Beaches ratepayers will face a 25 per cent hike of their bill after a choice from the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) — the state’s impartial price regulator — on Thursday.

The Northern Beaches and three regional councils got particular fee variations.

However, North Sydney ratepayers have escaped an exorbitant bump after the council’s request for an 87 per cent increase in charges was rejected.

North Sydney Mayor Zoë Baker mentioned “the system is clearly flawed”.

“It is incredibly disappointing that IPART refused both applications without considering even a partial approval of either, particularly the minimum rate application,” she mentioned in a assertion.“Without responsible financial management and provision of adequate funding, the burden shifts to the next generation or the one after that.

“North Sydney Council’s financial position is very well known and has been widely reported in the media over many years. If a council like North Sydney, subject to significant public scrutiny in media across the state, is unable to effect financial repair through applications to IPART, the system is clearly flawed.”

The mayor additionally mentioned “tough choices and decisions” will likely be made by the council shifting ahead, together with service cuts, asset gross sales and different measures.

Additionally, North Sydney Council’s particular variation software to increase minimal charges for residents was additionally rejected.

The request for fee hikes sparked scrutiny from tons of of locals who protested in opposition to the North Sydney Council in February this yr.

Resident Jocelyn Guy, who took half within the protests, instructed the Daily Telegraph the council “wasted so much money”.

“Why aren’t they looking at (ways to raise money) instead of just trying to shove money in their coffers so they can spend it in more incompetent ways,” she mentioned.

Holding placards in defiance, with some within the public gallery yelled “vote them out” whereas others cries of “liar”, “shame” and “sack them all” rang from the tons of standing exterior the council chambers.

The choice has been a partial win for Northern Beaches Council, as their request for a 39.6 per cent increase in charges over a period of three years was accepted to solely 25 per cent over two years.

Council Mayor Heins mentioned the choice recognised the “considerable pressures on Council’s budget”

“The approval gives us the opportunity to achieve what we set out to do – maintain core infrastructure and secure financial stability,” she mentioned.

“This has been a tough conversation to have with our community in this economic climate and we appreciate the feedback and input from our ratepayers.”

The mayor mentioned the speed hikes will “better meet the real cost of maintaining (the) community assets” which has “increased significantly over many years alongside the financial impacts of multiple natural emergencies, cost shifting and other budget pressures”.