Estimated water meter readings included in some rates notices Published on 18 July 2025 Due to flooding and severe weather, Council was unable to complete scheduled water meter readings, resulting in estimated water usage charges for the first instalment of the 2025/26 rates notice based on previous usage data. Tagged as: , Rates and Finance, Water and Sewer
Council sets rates and adopts key planning documents at June meeting Published on 19 June 2025 This month’s Council meeting was filled with rigorous discussion on some big issues and decisions such as the endorsement of new Integrated Planning and Reporting documents, setting rates and an urgent call for further government support following recent flooding. Tagged as: , Mayor and Councillors, Rates and Finance, Sports and Recreation
A message from the Mayor and CEO: Challenging decisions Published on 18 June 2025 This week, Council adopted key planning documents. Discussions highlighted Council’s challenging financial position and the volume of infrastructure work we need to deliver. Councillors and staff are committed to working together and being transparent with our community as we face and adapt to these challenges as necessary. Tagged as: , Mayor and Councillors, Rates and Finance
What’s happening with rates and what if I am struggling to pay? Published on 18 June 2025 Council adopted a 7.5% rates increase for 2025/26, half of the approved Special Rate Variation. Passed by a 5–4 vote, the decision reflects the reality that Council cannot maintain the existing level of services and manage its asset maintenance backlog with the current level of income. Council also noted financial relief measures available to support ratepayers. Tagged as: , Mayor and Councillors, Rates and Finance, Recovery
Councillors plan to split 15% rate rise over two years Published on 27 February 2025 After nearly three hours of debate at the February Council meeting, Councillors have decided to stage the 15% rate rise approved by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) over two years. Tagged as: , Rates and Finance
Opportunity to join Council’s Professional Services Panel Published on 19 November 2024 Kempsey Shire Council is inviting qualified professional consultants to apply for its newly established Professional Services Panel. Tagged as: , Rates and Finance
When is my rates notice coming? Published on 24 July 2024 Keep an eye out for your rates notices, which are hitting your inboxes and mailboxes this week. Tagged as: , Rates and Finance
What happens next with the rate increase? Published on 21 May 2024 The state government’s independent regulator has given Kempsey Shire Council permission to implement a rate increase of 24%, spread over two years. The proposal is for a 7.9% increase in property rates for the first year, followed by a 15% increase for 2025-26. Tagged as: , Rates and Finance
Council's rate rise application partially approved by regulator Published on 14 May 2024 Council has been given permission to raise rates by 24% over the next two years by the NSW Government’s independent pricing regulator after applying for a 42% increase over 3 years. Tagged as: , Mayor and Councillors, Rates and Finance
What if the Special Rate Variation application is unsuccessful? Published on 09 May 2024 Council’s application for a Special rate Variation (SRV) is currently before the Independent Price and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART), with a decision expected in May. When the decision from IPART comes through, what if the answer is no? Tagged as: , Rates and Finance