North Sydney Council is looking to raise rates again, considering four options as it seeks to claw back funding directed to its $122 million pool redevelopment.
Council has put on the table for discussion at its 27 October meeting four options to be phased over a three-year period:
Option 1 would be only increases by IPART’s rate peg, cumulative 10.33%. Option 2 requires a special rate variation, cumulative 39.92% including rate peg. Option 3 would be a special variation, cumulative 54.18% including rate peg.
On 27 October, Councillors will consider a draft 2026–2036 Long-Term Financial Plan, which proposes targeted rate increases to address the long-standing deterioration of local infrastructure, update corporate systems and maintain service delivery.
The plan is a continuation of improvement efforts over the past few years which include significant cost-saving measures and productivity improvements undertaken in a bid to minimise the impact on ratepayers.
The draft plan represents an important step towards restoring financial strength and aligning Council resources with the expectations and needs of a growing and evolving community.
North Sydney recently ranked sixth place in the Australian Liveability census, with respondents agreeing that most important in their ideal neighbourhood was the general condition of public open space – street trees, footpaths and parks. Top five liveability metrics included connectivity, sense of personal safety, access to neighbourhood facilities, the natural environment and overall character of the neighbourhood.
If Council agrees to proceed to community consultation at its meeting on Monday 27 October, feedback can be provided via the yoursay.northsydney.nsw.gov.au website, email, and community forums.
Consultation would run from Wednesday 30 October until midnight on Wednesday 3 December 2025.
