Ballina Shire Council is inviting residents and businesses to have their say on a proposed Special Rate Variation (SRV), with consultation open until Friday, 14 November 2025.

If approved, the SRV would allow Council to increase general rates above the annual ‘rate peg’ set by the NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).

Council is proposing a 6% increase to general rates each financial year from 2026/27 to 2029/30. This figure includes an estimated annual ‘rate peg’ of 3.25%, plus an additional 2.75% through the SRV. The increase would begin on 1 July 2026 and continue for four years.

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

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.

This would be a permanent increase to general rates. At the end of the SRV period (2030), revised rates would then continue to increase by the usual annual rate peg percentage.

Mayor Sharon Cadwallader said the proposal aims to secure stable funding so Council can maintain services and infrastructure while building financial resilience.

“Council has consistently managed its finances responsibly, keeping rates around 11% lower than similarly sized councils, while continuing to deliver quality services and facilities,” Cr Cadwallader said.

“However, like many councils across NSW, the rising cost of maintaining and renewing infrastructure such as roads, footpaths, parks and community buildings now exceeds the income we receive.”

“In addition, state and federal governments continue to shift responsibilities to local councils without providing matching funding. These pressures widen the funding gap and place a strain on our budget.”

“Council works hard to stretch every dollar and find savings through efficiencies and external grants. Unfortunately, this is no longer enough to keep pace with costs.”

“We understand many households are doing it tough, and this proposal has not been put forward lightly. However, our Council is not immune to the impact of rising costs, which is now putting pressure on our ability to maintain services and renew infrastructure.”

If approved, the additional funds would be invested in renewing and maintaining essential infrastructure such as roads, footpaths, stormwater systems, parks, sporting fields and community buildings. They would also support initiatives to improve community safety, biodiversity, and waterway health. 

“We know how important libraries, pools, playgrounds, sporting fields, community facilities, and safe roads and footpaths are to our residents. Council is committed to continue delivering these services and infrastructure,” said Cr Cadwallader.

“This proposal will help us secure funding to maintain and renew these essential community assets, so Ballina Shire remains a great place to live, work and visit.”

Ballina Shire Council understands this is a significant decision and wants the community to be fully informed and involved.

How to Get Involved

Residents and businesses are encouraged to find out more and share their views at yoursayballina.com.au. 

Here you will find a range of information, including:

• An online survey and question box
• A rates calculator to see the potential financial impact on your household or business
• Council financial and strategic planning documents
• Information resources and Frequently Asked Questions.

If you don’t have access to a computer, please collect a printed information pack and survey from Council’s Customer Service Centre.

Listening posts

You can provide feedback during three listening posts to chat with Council's finance team and ask questions about what the proposal means to you.

Customer Service Centre, 40 Cherry Street, Ballina:

• Wednesday 8 October (10am to 11.30am).
• Thursday 30 October (2pm to 3.30pm).
• Tuesday 4 November (12pm to 1.30pm)

Next steps

After the consultation period ends, Council will review community feedback before deciding whether to proceed with a formal application to IPART.

As part of its assessment, IPART will consider Council’s financial position, community consultation outcomes, 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 in February 2026.