Council supports special rate variation to renew infrastructure
Published on 28 October 2025
Ku-ring-gai Council is considering a special rate variation of 24.6% and a 4.4% rate peg (totalling 29%) to renew ageing infrastructure.
Following its October meeting, Council endorsed the public exhibition of revised Integrated Planning and Reporting documents to reflect the proposed rate increase.
The documents include the Council’s long term financial plan, asset management strategy and delivery program and operational plan.
The Council will decide in December whether to proceed with an application to the Independent Pricing & Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) to seek a rate variation, after considering public feedback during the exhibition period.
If approved by IPART a rate variation of 24.6% would apply from 1 July 2026, plus a 4.4% rate peg.
An extensive community awareness campaign earlier this year asked ratepayers views on four options for rate increases to tackle Ku-ring-gai’s ageing infrastructure such as drainage, community halls and a lack of footpaths.
Feedback was sought through a representative survey of 400 people, an opt-in survey with 4,515 responses, two recruited and randomly selected discussion workshops, an in-person and online forum, drop-in sessions, notices in local media, displays at Council venues, social media posts and outdoor banners.
Ku-ring-gai ratepayers were also mailed letters and brochures advising them of the four potential rate increase options.
A summary of the community consultation was presented to Council at its October meeting.
After considering the results, Council determined that a special rate variation of 24.6%, plus the 4.4% rate peg, was the best approach to renew and enhance infrastructure.
The special rate will fund stormwater drains, community buildings (such as halls and amenities), recreational facilities (such as sports fields and parks), footpath renewal, other infrastructure upgrades such as traffic and transport works and construction of the St Ives Indoor Sports Centre.
Ku-ring-gai Mayor Christine Kay said councils were facing a financial burden of trying to renew and upgrade ageing infrastructure while costs continued to climb.
“We must find a balance between providing modern infrastructure for our community while limiting the financial burden on ratepayers.”
“Ku-ring-gai has the second lowest number of staff per capita for Sydney councils and our capacity to trim back further is limited.”
“The increase in rates will allow us to invest in new footpaths, recreational facilities and infrastructure upgrades.
“I’d encourage community members to consider the reasons why the Council needs to act and have a say on this crucial issue.”
For more information or to view the updated Integrated Planning and Reporting documents visit our Engagement Hub.
Comments close on Tuesday 25 November.
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Media enquiries: media@krg.nsw.gov.au or 9424 0000