Just seven years after hitting residents with a 31 per cent rate increase, Hawkesbury Council is back asking for more.
This time, they want an eye-watering 11.73 per cent annual increase for three consecutive years—and the maths is brutal.
When you factor in compounding, this new proposal could push total rate increases to well over 70 per cent within about a decade, according to analysis by the local Hawkesbury Gazette.
For many residents, particularly those on fixed incomes, this represents a financial earthquake that threatens their ability to stay in their own homes.
The proposal affects almost tens of thousands of residents across the Greater Sydney region's north-west, with council seeking the Special Rate Variation (SRV) to address a current $99.1 million asset renewal shortfall that is projected to reach $170 million over the next decade without additional funding.
In this article
How much will you really pay?
The numbers are staggering. Under the plan, rates would rise by 11.73 per cent a year (from 2026/27 to 2028/29) including the 3.9 per cent rate peg. After that, only the standard annual peg would apply, but the SRV component would remain permanently built into the rate base.
Council estimates the average residential rate will climb from an extra $2.54 a week in 2026-27 to $8.85 per week in 2028-29. But these averages don't tell the full story.
Fed-up ratepayer Craig, who lives on acreage, calculated his rates will rocket from $3,000 annually to $4,500 within three years—a crushing 58 per cent increase. Meanwhile, town residents face a 'lesser' hike of almost 40 per cent, despite using the same roads and services.
'Why am I being penalised because I've got extra acreage and I'll be paying 58 per cent more, when other people will be paying 30 per cent. It's just wrong!'
What this means for your household budget
- Average weekly increase: $2.54 (2026-27) rising to $8.85 (2028-29)
- Acreage properties: Up to 58 per cent total increase over three years
- Town properties: Around 40 per cent total increase over three years
- Combined with 2018 rise: Potential 70 per cent+ increase within a decade
- Including the 2018 SRV rise: Potential cumulative increase above 70 per cent within a decade
Not the first rodeo—what happened in 2018?
This isn't Hawkesbury Council's first attempt at a massive rate hike. In 2018, the council received IPART approval for a three-year SRV that compounded to about 31 per cent and was kept permanently in the rate base, with rates rising by 9.5 per cent a year for three years.
The previous council, under mayors Mary Lyons-Buckett and Barry Calvert, introduced that 'Special Rate Variation' that drove everyone's rates up by a third. Notably, three of the councillors who voted for that rate hike were not returned when they stood for re-election.
The critical question many residents are asking: what did that 31 per cent increase actually deliver? The Hawkesbury Gazette has called on council to 'publish the 2018 SRV ledger (promises vs projects vs outcomes) and lessons learned' before asking for another permanent rate rise.
The flood factor and infrastructure crisis
Hawkesbury Council isn't crying poor without reason. The region has been battered by natural disasters, with roads and infrastructure repeatedly highlighted as the number one priority during recent community engagement activities.
Deputy Mayor Sarah McMahon defended the proposal, explaining: 'We've had eight floods in our community and the damage to our roads has been significant. While a lot of those roads were covered by disaster recovery funding from the state and federal government, we're still responsible for a lot of those local roads.'
She added that Council has already cut around $20 million from its operational budget to help address the shortfall and warned that without extra funding, the backlog would balloon to $170 million within 10 years.
With more than $1.45 billion in assets across a large, disaster-prone region, current income is not sufficient to keep roads, stormwater and community facilities at the level the community expects.
The bigger picture: NSW council funding crisis
Of the 128 local councils across NSW, 97 have received a Special Rate Variation since 2011-12, highlighting a systemic funding problem. As Deputy Mayor McMahon noted: 'That's showing that there's something at the core wrong with how councils obtain their revenue and how they obtain their funding, which needs to be looked at.'
Community pushback grows
The community response has been swift and fierce. A community petition opposing the latest proposed SRV has already attracted more than 1,000 signatures, while the Hawkesbury Gazette warned it could result in a 70 per cent rate increase within a decade.
Council will spend $80,000 on consultation and financial analysis, including surveys, mailouts, town-hall style meetings, and an independent 'ability to pay' study.
But for many residents, particularly seniors on fixed incomes, the ability to pay isn't just about financial capacity—it's about fairness and accountability.
The approval gauntlet ahead
The proposal must be submitted to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) by February 2026, with a decision expected by May 2026.
IPART's track record shows they're not rubber stamps. While some councils like Northern Beaches and Federation have been successful with their SRV applications, others such as North Sydney were knocked back by IPART for failing to prove cost savings or strong community support.
Hawkesbury Council acknowledges the same risks apply here. If the application fails, it warns services could be cut and roads will continue to deteriorate.
Your chance to have a say—but time is running out
The consultation period is critical, and time is running short. The last day for submissions is 26 October 2025, with the consultation period running from 11 September to 26 October 2025.
The coming months of consultation will be crucial. Without strong public support and a clear plan, Hawkesbury's biggest rate hike could be stopped at the gate.
Community information sessions are still being held, with residents able to book online or attend at various locations including the Council Administration Building in Windsor and local libraries.
Did you know?
How to make your voice heard:
- Attend remaining community information sessions (check council website for times)
- Submit written feedback by 26 October 2025—Contact Council's Customer Service Team on (02) 4560 4444—Email enquiries to [email protected] with reference to the Special Rate Variation Proposal—Sign the community petition opposing the rise
The decision countdown
All feedback collected will be considered by Council prior to a decision being made whether to proceed with an application to IPART, with councillors expected to make their decision on November 18, 2025.
For residents, particularly those on fixed incomes, this represents a critical juncture. The combination of the 2018 rate rise and this new proposal could fundamentally change the affordability of living in the Hawkesbury region.
The question isn't just whether council can prove it needs the money—it's whether they can prove they'll spend it wisely this time around.
Would you support a 40 per cent rate increase over three years if it meant better roads and community facilities? Or do you believe Council should find savings elsewhere? Share your view in the comments below.
Primary Source
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ar...tml?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
Hawkesbury Council 70 per cent rate rise in a decade...
Cited text: Framing the new proposal as “11.73 per cent for three years” hides the real-world compounding that pushes total increases to well over 70 per cent within about a deca...
Excerpt: When you factor in compounding, this new proposal could push total rate increases to well over 70 per cent within about a decade
https://www.hawkesburygazette.com/hawkesbury-council-70-rate-rise-in-a-decade/
Special Rates Variation Proposal | Your Hawkesbury Your Say
Cited text: Hawkesbury City Council is seeking your feedback on a proposed Special Rate Variation (SRV) to help renew and maintain our essential infrastructure, e...
Excerpt: with council seeking the Special Rate Variation (SRV) to address a current $99.1 million asset renewal shortfall that is projected to reach $170 million over the next decade without additional funding
https://www.yourhawkesbury-yoursay.com.au/special-rates-variation
Special Rates Variation Proposal | Your Hawkesbury Your Say
Cited text: The proposal being exhibited is an increase of 11.73 per cent per year for three years from 2026/27 to 2028/29 (including an assumed 3.9 per cent rate peg each year).
Excerpt: The proposal involves an increase of 11.73 per cent per year for three years from 2026/27 to 2028/29 (including an assumed 3.9 per cent rate peg each year)
https://www.yourhawkesbury-yoursay.com.au/special-rates-variation
Hawkesbury Council 70 per cent rate rise in a decade...
Cited text: This critique puts that proposal in context, tests the numbers, and sets out the minimum transparency the community might consider before saying “yes....
Excerpt: In 2018, the council received IPART approval for a three-year SRV that compounded to about 31 per cent and was kept permanently in the rate base, with rates rising by 9.5 per cent a year for three years
https://www.hawkesburygazette.com/hawkesbury-council-70-rate-rise-in-a-decade/
Hawkesbury Council given permission for Special Rate Variation by IPART | Hawkesbury Gazette | Richmond, NSW
Cited text: Rates will rise by 9.5 per cent a year for the next three years — seven per cent above the rate pegging level — starting in the 2018...
Excerpt: In 2018, the council received IPART approval for a three-year SRV that compounded to about 31 per cent and was kept permanently in the rate base, with rates rising by 9.5 per cent a year for three years
https://www.hawkesburygazette.com.a...rmission-for-special-rate-variation-by-ipart/
Hawkesbury Council given permission for Special Rate Variation by IPART | Hawkesbury Gazette | Richmond, NSW
Cited text: Rates will rise by 9.5 per cent a year for the next three years — seven per cent above the rate pegging level — starting in the 2018-19 fina...
Excerpt: In 2018, the council received IPART approval for a three-year SRV that compounded to about 31 per cent and was kept permanently in the rate base, with rates rising by 9.5 per cent a year for three years
https://www.hawkesburygazette.com.a...rmission-for-special-rate-variation-by-ipart/
Councillor Nathan Zamprogno—Are you paying too much in Council rates? News from the 2022-2023 Hawkesbury Council Budget
Cited text: The last Council, under Mayor Lyons-Buckett and continuing under Mayor Calvert, introduced a ‘Special Rate Variation’ that drove everyone’s rates up b...
Excerpt: The previous council, under mayors Mary Lyons-Buckett and Barry Calvert, introduced that 'Special Rate Variation' that drove everyone's rates up by a third.
https://councillorzamprogno.info/20...from-the-2022-2023-hawkesbury-council-budget/
Hawkesbury Council 70 per cent rate rise in a decade...
Cited text: Before Hawkesbury says yes to any permanent rate rise, Council should resolve to: Publish the 2018 SRV ledger (promises vs projects vs outcomes) and l...
Excerpt: The Hawkesbury Gazette has called on council to 'publish the 2018 SRV ledger (promises vs projects vs outcomes) and lessons learned'
https://www.hawkesburygazette.com/hawkesbury-council-70-rate-rise-in-a-decade/
Special Rates Variation Proposal | Your Hawkesbury Your Say
Cited text: During our recent engagement activities, roads and infrastructure were repeatedly highlighted as the number one priority for the future of the Hawkesb...
Excerpt: roads and infrastructure repeatedly highlighted as the number one priority during recent community engagement activities
https://www.yourhawkesbury-yoursay.com.au/special-rates-variation
Special Rates Variation Proposal | Your Hawkesbury Your Say
Cited text: With more than $1.45 billion in assets across a large, disaster-prone region, current income is not sufficient to keep roads, stormwater and community...
Excerpt: With more than $1.45 billion in assets across a large, disaster-prone region, current income is not sufficient to keep roads, stormwater and community facilities at the level the community expects
https://www.yourhawkesbury-yoursay.com.au/special-rates-variation
Hawkesbury Council 70 per cent rate rise in a decade...
Cited text: If Council wants a mandate, it needs to prove past value, show cumulative impacts, publish a ring-fenced and audited ledger, and present genuine alter...
Excerpt: A community petition opposing the latest proposed SRV has already attracted more than 1,000 signatures
https://www.hawkesburygazette.com/hawkesbury-council-70-rate-rise-in-a-decade/
Hawkesbury Council Pushes for 40 per cent Rate Rise
Cited text: To progress the application, Council will spend $80,000 on consultation and financial analysis, including surveys, mailouts, town-hall style meetings,...
Excerpt: Council will spend $80,000 on consultation and financial analysis, including surveys, mailouts, town-hall style meetings, and an independent 'ability to pay' study
https://www.hawkesburygazette.com/hawkesbury-council-pushes-for-40-rate-rise/
Hawkesbury Council Pushes for 40 per cent Rate Rise
Cited text: The proposal must then be submitted to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) by February 2026, with a decision expected by May 2026....
Excerpt: The proposal must be submitted to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) by February 2026, with a decision expected by May 2026
https://www.hawkesburygazette.com/hawkesbury-council-pushes-for-40-rate-rise/
Hawkesbury Council Pushes for 40 per cent Rate Rise
Cited text: Some, like Northern Beaches and Federation Councils, have been successful. Others, such as North Sydney, were knocked back by IPART for failing to pro...
Excerpt: While some councils like Northern Beaches and Federation have been successful with their SRV applications, others such as North Sydney were knocked back by IPART for failing to prove cost savings or strong community support
https://www.hawkesburygazette.com/hawkesbury-council-pushes-for-40-rate-rise/
Hawkesbury Council Pushes for 40 per cent Rate Rise
Cited text: Hawkesbury Council acknowledges the same risks apply here. If the application fails, it warns services could be cut and roads will continue to deterio...
Excerpt: Hawkesbury Council acknowledges the same risks apply here. If the application fails, it warns services could be cut and roads will continue to deteriorate
https://www.hawkesburygazette.com/hawkesbury-council-pushes-for-40-rate-rise/
Special Rates Variation Proposal | Your Hawkesbury Your Say
Cited text: The last day for the receipt of submissions is 26 October 2025.
Excerpt: The last day for submissions is 26 October 2025, with the consultation period running from 11 September to 26 October 2025
https://www.yourhawkesbury-yoursay.com.au/special-rates-variation
Special Rates Variation Proposal | Your Hawkesbury Your Say
Cited text: ... Have your say on the proposal between 11 September and 26 October 2025.
Excerpt: The last day for submissions is 26 October 2025, with the consultation period running from 11 September to 26 October 2025
https://www.yourhawkesbury-yoursay.com.au/special-rates-variation
Hawkesbury Council Pushes for 40 per cent Rate Rise
Cited text: The coming months of consultation will be crucial. Without strong public support and a clear plan, Hawkesbury’s biggest rate hike could be stopped at ...
Excerpt: The coming months of consultation will be crucial. Without strong public support and a clear plan, Hawkesbury's biggest rate hike could be stopped at the gate
https://www.hawkesburygazette.com/hawkesbury-council-pushes-for-40-rate-rise/
Special Rates Variation Proposal | Your Hawkesbury Your Say
Cited text: All information and feedback collected will be considered by Council prior to a decision being made whether to proceed with an application to the Inde...
Excerpt: All feedback collected will be considered by Council prior to a decision being made whether to proceed with an application to IPART
https://www.yourhawkesbury-yoursay.com.au/special-rates-variation
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