Proposed Special Rate Variation (SRV)

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Uralla Shire Council is currently considering an application for a Special Rate Variation (SRV). An SRV is a regulated increase to rates above the usual annual limit set by the NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART). We’re sharing this early because we believe it's vital you are involved in the conversation from the beginning.

This is not a decision Council takes lightly. We are committed to working in partnership with our residents to shape a financially sustainable future that reflects the needs and priorities of our community.

Council is currently facing significant financial pressures and is in an unsustainable financial position which is outlined in our Long Term Financial Plan 2025-2036. While steps have already been taken through internal restructuring and efficiency measures, a combination of rising service delivery costs, declining revenue sources, and increasing community needs means urgent action is required to secure our long-term financial sustainability. To help address the projected shortfall, Council is considering an application for a SRV.

What is an SRV and why is it needed?

An SRV is an increase in council rates beyond the standard cap set by the NSW Government, known as the rate peg. Councils apply for an SRV when their existing revenue (mainly from rates, fees, and state and federal government grants) is not enough to support essential services, maintain infrastructure, meet growing community needs and cover cost shifting measures by the NSW Government.

While our Council does receive funding from rates, government grants, and service fees, these do not keep up with rising costs, growing community needs, and cost shifting from the NSW Government. Over time, councils, including ours, have taken on increased responsibilities previously managed by the NSW Government. These include infrastructure and environmental programs, governance responsibilities, and expanded community services without additional funding to support the increase in services.

Cost shifting measures like these place significant pressure on the day-to-day operations and financial sustainability of our Shire. At the same time, the cost of materials, labour, and construction continues to rise, making it more expensive to maintain and upgrade essential infrastructure, deliver services, and complete critical projects. Without increased revenue, Council faces difficult decisions about service levels, maintenance, and future investments in our community.

How will an SRV affect me?

If you are a property owner within Uralla Shire, you may notice an increase in your council rates beyond the usual annual adjustment. The exact amount will depend on your property’s land value and classification (residential, business, farmland, etc.), which is determined by the NSW Valuer General. You can find your land value on your rates notice or by visiting www.valuergeneral.nsw.gov.au. If the SRV is approved by Council, the proposal would involve an increase to general rates of 28.5% in the first year (2026-27) and a further 23% in the second year (2027-28). This would result in a total increase of approximately 58.06% across the two-year implementation period. Your actual rate figure will depend on the specific details of your property. For a more accurate estimate based on your circumstances, you can contact Council once the rate cap is confirmed in September 2025.

The SRV would only apply to the General Rate component of your rates notice. It would not impact service charges like water, sewer, waste, or stormwater drainage.

See below example rates notice:

The table below provides an example of the estimated average rate increases by category across all ratepayers under the proposed SRV for 2026/27 and 2027/28.

To understand how the proposed SRV may affect your rates, we encourage you to refer to your most recent rates notice. This will provide the most accurate indication of the impact based on your individual property valuation. The figures presented below are average estimates only and may differ from your actual rates.

NOTE: These assumptions are averages based on the current property valuations and rating structure across Uralla Shire, Actual rates will vary depending on individual property valuations.

How do we compare?

Across New South Wales, many councils are facing similar financial challenges and have turned to SRVs as a means to address funding shortfalls to maintain essential services and infrastructure. In our region, several neighbouring councils have recently applied for and, in many cases, received approval for SRVs:

• Glen Innes Severn Council – Endorsed a cumulative 48.3% increase over three years, starting in 2026/27
• Tamworth Regional Council – Implemented a 36.3% increase over two years in 2024/25
• Armidale Regional Council – Approved a 58.8% increase over three years in 2023/24
• Walcha Council – Adopted a 57.74% increase across three years in 2023/24
• Tenterfield Council – Applied a 43% increase in a single year (2023/24)
• Liverpool Plains Shire Council – Implemented an 18.1% increase in one year (2023/24)

This graph is provided for illustrative purposes only. The figures shown represent Special Rate Variations SRVs that have been approved by IPART for various councils in recent years, along with Uralla Shire Council's proposed SRV. The percentages reflect cumulative increases over the stated timeframes.

Uralla Shire Council has never previously applied for a Special Rate Variation. The only exception was in 2022, when Council was granted an Administrative Rate Variation (ARV) by the Minister in response to a historically low rate peg of 0.7%, which sat well below the inflation rate at the time.

Your Voice Matters

We want you to be involved throughout this process, not just at the end. Your views 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.

There are several ways you can have your say:

1. Complete the Early Insights Survey (Now) - This short survey helps us understand your initial thoughts and how you’d prefer to stay engaged throughout the process. It’s available now on this page.

2. Request a Printed Information Pack (Now) - We’ve prepared hard-copy packs that include all the key details about the SRV, a printed version of the survey, and a reply-paid envelope. To request a pack, contact our Customer Service team, visit the Council Administration Building, or speak with your TCS care coordinator.

3. Join a Community Information Session (October 2025) - We’re holding in-person sessions where you can ask questions, learn more, and share your feedback directly with Council staff. All residents, businesses and local groups are encouraged to attend. Dates and venues will be listed here shortly.

4. Take Part in the Formal Survey (October 2025) - This detailed survey will be conducted prior to any decision being made and will help inform Council’s position on whether to proceed with the SRV. If Council moves forward, the results will be submitted as part of the formal IPART application.

5. Send us a letter or email (Anytime) - You can share your views in writing by posting us a letter or sending an email for considered as part of the consultation process.

Post: The General Manager, PO Box 106, Uralla NSW 2358
Email: council@uralla.nsw.gov.au