FAQs

A Special Rate Variation (SRV) is an increase to general rates beyond the standard cap set by the NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART). Councils apply for an SRV when their existing revenue is not enough to support services and maintain infrastructure.

Rate pegging is a limit set each year by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) that determines how much a council can increase its total general rate income.

For 2025/26, IPART has set Ballina Shire Council’s rate peg at 3.80%. This means the total income Council can collect from general rates can only increase by 3.80% compared to the previous year, even if costs rise more than that.

It’s important to understand that rate pegging caps the overall amount of income, not individual rates. Your individual rate may go up or down depending on your land value, but Council’s total rate revenue must stay within the capped increase.

In recent years, cost increases have outpaced the rate peg, making it harder for councils across NSW to maintain and renew infrastructure, respond to community expectations, and deliver essential services.

Council is considering an application for a Special Rate Variation (SRV). An SRV is a regulated increase to rates above the usual ‘rate peg’ set by the NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).

The proposal is for a 6% increase to general rates each year from 2026/27 to 2029/30. This includes the usual annual ‘rate peg’ set by IPART (estimated to be 3.25%) plus an additional 2.75% through the proposed SRV. 

Because the increases are cumulative, this would result in a total rise of about 26.25% over four years. Without the SRV, the total increase would be around 13.65% over the same period.

This would be a permanent increase to your general rates and at the end of the SRV period (2030) your revised total rates would then increase by the usual annual ‘rate peg’ percentage.

The increase would apply only to the general rates component and would not affect water, wastewater, waste collection or stormwater charges.

Without extra funding, Council will need to review our current services and assets and make some tough decisions. This may include some services being cut, reduced, or stopped altogether.

Yes, it does. The proposed Special Rate Variation (SRV) would apply to all rating categories, including Residential, Business, and Farmland properties.

Yes, this proposed increase will not apply to your water, wastewater, stormwater and waste collection charges.

Yes, it's likely there will be an increase to water, wastewater, stormwater and waste collection charges along with other Council Fees and Charges from 1 July 2026. 

Where possible, Council will aim to minimise increases. 

By the end of the four-year Special Rate Variation period (2029/30), the increase for the average Ballina Shire residential ratepayer would be an additional $346. This is $166 more than if no Special Rate Variation were applied.

Table 1: Residential rates forecast comparison

Table 2: Farmland rates forecast comparison

Table 3: Business rate forecast comparison

These tables and forecasted figures are based on average land values and a proposed rate increase of 6.0% from 2026/27 to 2029/30, which includes an estimated rate peg of 3.25%. Individual rates vary depending on your land value (determined by the NSW Valuer General). Use Council’s online rates calculator to see how the proposed SRV would impact you. Visit yoursayballina.com.au

In NSW, land values are determined by the NSW Valuer General. Local councils use land values to calculate general council rates.

You can find your property’s current land value:

• On the first instalment of your annual rates notice (issued by Council at the start of each financial year)
• By using the NSW Government’s land value search tool
• Or by contacting Council's Customer Service Centre on 1300 864 444.

Council understands that rising living costs are placing pressure on households, and this is a fair and important concern. Through efficient operations, responsible budgeting, and securing external funding, Ballina Shire Council has kept its average rates around 11% lower than similar-sized councils. However, the cost of maintaining and renewing essential infrastructure has increased significantly faster than the income councils are permitted to raise under the state-set rate peg.

The proposed Special Rate Variation is about planning responsibly to ensure essential services and infrastructure remain sustainable into the future. Even with the proposed increase, Council’s average rate income per property would still be lower than nearly all other councils in the region.

If you hold a Pensioner Concession Card or Department of Veterans Affairs Card you may be eligible for a rebate on your general rates, as well as your water, wastewater, stormwater and waste collection charges.

To qualify, the property must be your principal place of residence, and you must be the owner, part-owner or life tenant. To apply for a rebate, or find out more information, visit Council's website.

We understand that circumstances change and paying rates and charges isn’t always easy.

If you’re experiencing financial hardship, you can apply to Council for support. We look at each request individually and can offer tailored payment plans (weekly, fortnightly or monthly).

To find out more read Council’s Financial Assistance (Hardship) – Rates and Charges policy available on Council's website.

Council's income sources

 

Council's income is derived from several sources, each allocated to specific services and infrastructure.

• Rates and Annual Charges approximately 40%of total income.
  • Rates fund general services such as roads, footpaths, parks, playgrounds, libraries, community facilities (i.e. swimming pools, indoor sports centre), and environmental protection.
  • Annual Charges specifically allocated to essential services like water supply, wastewater treatment, and rubbish collection and disposal.
• User Charges and Fees about 20%, generated from services like development applications, use of community facilities etc. These are covered in our Fees and Charges document.
• Grants and Contributions roughly 30%, for both operational and capital project funding from state and federal governments.
• Other Income, including commercial activities, approximately 10%. This includes returns from Council’s investment portfolio, rental income from Council-owned properties, and income generated through commercial operations such as the airport and caravan parks. Council’s commercial activities help reduce the financial burden on ratepayers by generating income that offsets the cost of delivering community services. These operations are designed to provide a return to the community, not to compete with private enterprise.

While rates are a crucial component of Council's revenue, they represent just a portion of the overall funding required to maintain and enhance community services and infrastructure. 

The proposed Special Rate Variation aims to address funding shortfalls and ensure the continued delivery of essential services.

Council has operated responsibly and efficiently over many years to reduce costs, secure grants, and improve efficiencies – but despite these efforts, a funding gap remains. 

Several measures have been undertaken in 2024/25, with more planned in future, and they include: 

1. Water Leakage – In recent years the unbilled water percentage has decreased from more than 20% to close to 10%, representing additional revenue of more than $1m for Council’s Water Operations.

2. Construction and Material Re-use – Improved practices in the re-use of materials in the road reconstruction area has achieved savings in the hundreds of thousands of dollars in reduced transport and landfill fees.

3. Water and Wastewater Assets Insurance – In 2024, Council resolved to transfer the insurance premiums of approximately $200,000/annum to reserve for self-insurance. The insurance premium paid for 2023/24 was in the order of $190,000, with an excess of $100,000. This new model provides Council with an effective cost containment strategy.

4. Burns Point Ferry Maintenance Improvements – Historically, the ferry is put into slip every year at a cost of more than $200,000. Changes were made in 2024/25 for the annual maintenance to be undertaken internally by Council workshop staff on the water. This saved $75,000 in costs in 2024/25.

5. Ballina Wastewater Treatment Plan - Three of five essential components of the treatment plant failed, and money was spent unsuccessfully with contractors. Staff undertook the repairs internally and improved functionality to ensure compliance with environmental standards. Staff sourced parts directly from the German manufacturer, saving Council $54,000. 

6. Motor Vehicle Insurance – Increased the excess on motor vehicle insurance for 2025/26 with proposed premium savings of approximately $30,000 per annum.

7. SMS messages on overdue rates and charges – The introduction of SMS reminder messages has reduced the amount (by 10%) of reminder letters being sent to ratepayers and improved timeliness of payments. The introduction of SMS commenced in March 2025.

8. Commercial Waste Administration – Administration improvements for commercial waste collection were implemented in 2024/25. The process was annual and now occurs every two years. 

9. Introduction of Asset Valuation Software – Improves audit process to identify anomalies in the asset revaluation process for Infrastructure Property, Plant and Equipment (IPPE). This was introduced in 2025.

10. Rural Waste Collection Changes – Reducing the collection of landfill bins from weekly to fortnightly, to align with the urban collection is planned in 2025/26, subject to endorsement from Council. The service model will improve diversion rates away from landfill and result in significant operational savings, as well as a reduction in annual charges.

If approved, the additional income would provide:

• Increased investment in renewing infrastructure such as roads, footpaths, stormwater systems, open spaces, sporting fields, playgrounds and community facilities.
• Improved operational funding to maintain public spaces, roads and community facilities, as well as support initiatives in community safety, biodiversity and waterway health.

Together, these investments would strengthen our Shire now and create a more sustainable future.

Ballina Shire Council operates within a strict budget and continually reviews its operations to find savings and efficiencies. However, unlike a business, Council is legally required to keep delivering a wide range of essential services, such as roads, parks, footpaths, stormwater and libraries, regardless of income.

Costs for materials, fuel, and construction have increased much faster than the income councils are allowed to raise under the rate cap set by IPART. In addition, local councils have gradually taken on more responsibilities that were once funded or delivered by other levels of government, including disaster recovery, community safety, and environmental protection - all without additional ongoing funding.

Yes. Over time, local governments across Australia, including Ballina Shire Council, have been required to step in and manage responsibilities that were once funded or delivered by state and federal governments. 

Examples include:

• Disaster recovery and resilience planning including managing flood recovery works.
• Environmental protection and biodiversity management native vegetation protection, and coastal management.
• Social infrastructure and community support including advocacy and support for housing affordability, youth services, ageing populations, and community safety initiatives.
• Public health and compliance such as implementing public health orders, managing companion animal regulations, and enforcing compliance for environmental protection. 

These responsibilities are essential to community wellbeing but are often passed to councils without adequate or ongoing funding, placing pressure on rates revenue and local resources.

For more information read the latest cost shifting report conducted by LGNSW available online.

It may seem that population growth means more income for Council, but this is not the case. Each year, the total amount Council can collect from rates is capped by the NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART). This limit does not automatically increase with population growth or rising land values.

When property values change, Council must redistribute the total rates income across all properties. This means some ratepayers may see an increase while others see a decrease, but the total amount Council receives remains the same.

Cumbalum is an important and growing part of the Shire. Because it’s a newer area, maintenance and renewal costs are currently lower than in older areas like Lennox Head or central Ballina, where roads and infrastructure are more established and ageing. For example, the Lennox Head road network is more than twice the size of Cumbalum’s and has a higher average road age, resulting in greater renewal and maintenance needs.

Council also funds and maintains regional roads, bridges, footpaths and community spaces that serve the entire Shire, including Cumbalum residents. While these investments may not appear as Cumbalum-specific spending, they provide shared benefits across the community.

Each year, Council consults on its Delivery Program and Operational Plan (DPOP), which outlines planned projects and capital works for the next four years. This is the community’s opportunity to have input on local priorities. Cumbalum residents are encouraged to take part in the next DPOP consultation period in May, or contact their Councillors directly to share ideas and priorities.

Ballina Shire Council's rate revenue is at least 11% below the average of comparable councils. 

This graph shows an average residential rate comparison from the 2022/23 Financial Year. This was sourced from the Office of Local Government's Your Council comparison tool.  Find out more at yourcouncil.nsw.gov.au/

Yes, in recent years, cost increases have outpaced the rate peg, making it harder for councils across NSW to maintain and renew infrastructure, respond to community expectations, and deliver essential services.

You can make a submission:

Online: Complete the Feedback form available on this consultation page. 

By email: Council@ballina.nsw.gov.au

By post:  Ballina Shire Council PO Box 450 Ballina NSW 2478

Submissions close on Friday 14 November. 

Council will review community feedback at the December Ordinary Council Meeting, before making a final decision whether to proceed with an application to the NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).

IPART then assesses the application and may approve, partially approve, or refuse the request.

In making its decision, IPART considers Council’s financial position, the outcomes of community consultation, and the need for additional revenue to maintain essential services and infrastructure.

As part of its process, IPART will accept and consider submissions from interested groups or individual ratepayers for a three week period after receiving Council’s application.

To make an online submission you must create an account on the YourSayBallina.com.au website (Engagement HQ).

To do this you will need to select create an account and validate your email address. If you have previously created an account but you can’t remember your password, you will need to select ‘forgot password’ and follow the steps to rest your password.

If you are still having difficulties, you can submit your feedback via email, letter or in-person at our Customer Service Centre.

We’ve prepared hard-copy information packs that include all the key details about the SRV and a printed version of the submission survey.

To request a pack, contact our Customer Service team on 1300 864 444 or visit Council’s Customer Service Centre.