Proposed Special Rate Variation (SRV)

Ballina Shire Council has consistently managed finances carefully, delivering strong services while keeping rates around 11% lower than similar-sized councils.

However, the rising construction costs and the expansion of our infrastructure network means the cost of maintaining roads, footpaths, parks, and community facilities now exceeds the income we receive.

At the same time, councils across NSW are facing extra costs that were previously covered by other levels of government, but our income hasn’t kept up.

This funding gap puts pressure on the services you rely on every day. A Special Rate Variation (SRV) will allow Council to continue providing key services, maintain infrastructure and invest in future needs.

Without extra funding, we may face tough decisions as a community – including the risk of some services being cut, reduced, or stopped altogether.

Proposed Special Rate Variation (SRV)

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.

How much more will I pay if the SRV is approved?

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 per year. This is $166 more than if no Special Rate Variation were applied.

	2025/26 ACTUAL	2026/27 FORECAST	2027/28 FORECAST	2028/29 FORECAST	2029/30 FORECAST	CUMULATIVE CHANGE
Rate peg 3.80% for 2025/26. Proposed rate increase of 6.0% for 2026/27 to 2029/30.	3.80%	6%	6%	6%	6%	26.25%
Residential Rate ($)	$1,319	$1,398	$1,482	$1,571	$1,665	$346
Business Rate ($)	$4,269	$4,525	$4,797	$5,085	$5,390	$1,121
Farmland Rate ($)	$2,065	$2,186	$2,320	$2,459	$2,607	$542

This table 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).

Where will the money be spent?

If approved, the additional income would allow Council to invest and renew infrastructure such as roads, footpaths, stormwater systems, open spaces, sporting fields, playgrounds and community facilities.

For more information, including a forecast of Council’s financial position with and without the SRV and a detailed breakdown of how the additional income would be allocated, please visit the resources section on this consultation page.

Your voice matters

We want our community to be involved throughout this process. Your feedback will help shape how Council moves forward with an SRV application, and if we do, your feedback will form part of the submission to IPART.

Where can I get more information?

Try our online rates calculator
Ask a question using the Question tool below
Read our FAQs section
Come and speak with a Council staff member at an upcoming drop-in session
Request a hard-copy information pack from our Customer Service Centre

Drop-in information booth

Come along to speak with a Council team member, get information on the SRV proposal, and find out what the proposed rate increase means for you.

Where: Council's Customer Service Centre (Foyer), 40 Cherry Street, Ballina.

Drop in between:

Wednesday 8 October (10am - 11.30am)
Thursday 30 October (2pm - 3.30pm)
Tuesday 4 November (12noon - 1.30pm)

Where can I provide feedback?

Online: Complete our online survey below

By email: Council@ballina.nsw.gov.au

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