Tamworth Region Says No - Community Campaign
This is the official campaign in opposition of the proposed rate hike in Tamworth LGA. This website is a work in progress and will be “filled out” over the coming days.
The Tamworth Regional Council has recently put forward a proposal for a 36.3% Special Rate Variation (SRV) to address a forecasted deficit of $XXX million over the next decade.
However, we, the members of the Figure it out TRC Facebook group, stand united in opposition to this proposed SRV, and we believe in our collective strength to make a difference.
Our group is open to all residents and ratepayers within the Tamworth Local Government Area who share our concerns and wish to join our cause. We understand the importance of community involvement, and we are committed to making our voices heard.
To assist you in the fight against the SRV, we have provided valuable resources located under the “Files” section of the Figure it out TRC Facebook group. These resources include a petition, objection letters, “Says No” signs, placards, and a comprehensive TRC SRV Fact Sheet. We believe that by equipping ourselves with the right tools, we can work together to address this issue effectively.
We understand many people aren’t on Facebook which is why we created this website to find out how you support us.
How can you help?
FAQs
IPART stands for the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal of NSW. IPART helps NSW residents get safe and reliable services at a fair price. We are:
- the independent pricing regulator for water, public transport and local government
- the licence administrator of water, electricity and gas
- the scheme administrator and regulator of the Energy Security Safeguard.
- the market monitor for energy, the retail ethanol fuel market, and biodiversity.
Every year they use a methodology to figure out how much any given Council in NSW can increase their rates by in a given period this amount is referred to as the “rate peg”.
- Set or recommend maximum prices for monopoly services in NSW (including water and public transport).
- Administer licensing or authorisation of water, electricity and gas network businesses, and monitor compliance with licence conditions.
- Advise the NSW Government or its agencies on issues such as pricing, efficiency, industry structure and competition.
- Regulate private sector access to water and wastewater to encourage competition and re-use.
- Maintain a local government cost index, determine the maximum percentage increase in local government general revenue (rate peg), determine special rate variations and review Councils development contributions plans.
- Monitor competition and performance in the energy retail markets.
- Administer the Energy Savings Scheme and associated register of energy savings certificates.
- Register agreements for access to public infrastructure assets and arbitrate disputes about agreements for access to public infrastructure.
- Investigate complaints about competitive neutrality referred to us by the NSW Government.
Source: https://www.ipart.nsw.gov.au/Home/Industries/Local-Government/Special-Variations
How special variation applications are assessed
IPART requires councils to actively engage residents in discussions about the proposed increase above the rate peg. Councils can do this with public hearings and other community engagement tools that suit their population. IPART will consider how effective each council’s community inclusion has been before determining its application to increase charges above the set rate. Councils need to show IPART there is:
- a demonstrated need for higher increases to charges
- community awareness of their plans
- a reasonable impact on ratepayers
- a process to exhibit relevant council documents to the public
- a history of well-documented council productivity improvements and cost containment strategies
In addition to the council’s evidence, we will assess any other information we consider relevant, including letters from ratepayers. Further information regarding the assessment criteria can be accessed here. IPART can wholly or partially approve or reject a council’s application. Our reasons will be published on our website. The 2023-24 special variation decisions are available here. The 2024-25 special variation application forms will be published soon.
Source: https://www.ipart.nsw.gov.au/Home/Industries/Local-Government/Special-Variations
Yes, Councillors have the power, right now, under the Local Government Act, to hold what is called an “Extraordinary Meeting”. They could raise a new motion to scrap the proposal immediately and cease all Community Consultation, they could vote in favour of this motion. They could also raise a motion to suspend or halt the process, which we would support on the premise that it was for 12 months MINIMUM.
Tamworth Regional Council's 36.3% Special Rate Variation
The Tamworth Regional Council (TRC) wants to increase the rates by 36.3%. Councillor’s agreed to undertake extensive community engagement about a proposed application to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for a permanent Special Rate Variation of 36.3% over two years starting next year.
What is the proposed increase?
A permanent Special Rate Variation of 36.3 per cent over two years. The proposal comprises a variation of 18.5 per cent from July 1, 2024-25 (including the forecasted rate peg of 3.5 per cent) and 15 per cent in 2025-26 (including the forecasted rate peg of 2.5 per cent).
| 2024-25 | 2025-2026 | Cumulative | |
|---|---|---|---|
Permanent increase above rate peg | 15% | 12.5% | |
Forecast rate peg | 3.5% | 2.5% | |
Total Increase | 15.0% | 18.5% | 36.3% |
* 36.3% calculated based on interest compounding over the 2 years. Think about a starting rate of $100. In year 1, I would pay $118.50 [$100 + ($100 x 18.5%)] in rates, and in year 2 I would be $136.28 in rates [$118.50 + ($118.50 x 15%)]. It is the same as taking the original $100 and increasing it by 36.3%.
The impact on an individual’s rates will be different depending on the unimproved land value of their property.
To find out what the increase will be for you, use our online rate calculator.
The SRV applies to the general rate charge. This is the base rate and rateable value on your rates notice. It does not apply to garbage or general waste, sewerage, stormwater, or water charges.
Source: Tawworth Regional Council
TRC Special Rate Variation Documents
- Community Fact Sheet
PDF (2.55 MB) - Community information session presentation
PDF (3.11 MB)
How to submit your Feedback
Feedback can be made until 4.30pm 31 October 2023 and can be made in the following ways:
- Letter – General Manager, PO Box 555 Tamworth NSW 2340
- Email – trc@tamworth.nsw.gov.au
- Phone – Customer service 02 6767 5555
- In person – Customer Service, Tamworth Regional Council, 474 Peel Street, Tamworth NSW 2340
