Blacktown City Council has confirmed its 2026/27 budget and rates position after further debate at an Extraordinary Meeting tonight.
Council confirmed its 2026/27 budget and rates position, with some modifications to the decision adopted on 29 June.
The decision means Council can continue delivering the 2026/27 budget, supporting everyday services, renewing ageing infrastructure and operating new and upgraded facilities for a growing city.
Council considered motions seeking to change the rates position adopted at its 29 June meeting. Council confirmed its 29 June decision to adopt a lower 2026/27 rates increase than the full amount approved by the independent NSW pricing regulator, IPART.
The Mayor of Blacktown City, Brad Bunting said Council had landed on the right balance between delivering for the community and reducing the impact on residents and businesses.
"We have struck the right balance: a lower increase for residents and businesses than Council could have applied, while still funding the services, facilities and infrastructure our community relies on," Mayor Bunting said.
"Council must keep looking for savings and efficiencies in its own operations, and we will keep doing that."
The adopted 2026/27 rating structure is based on an overall increase in general rates income of 11.54 per cent.
Under the decision, Council provides almost $10 million a year for maintaining and renewing roads, footpaths, stormwater, parks, playgrounds, sports fields and other Council assets.
It also helps operate new and upgraded pools, libraries, community hubs and cultural facilities delivered through the Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program.
Mayor Bunting said, "when I am out in the community, people talk to me about roads, footpaths, parks, pools, libraries, sports fields and local facilities."
"They talk about the services they use every day and the improvements they want to see in their neighbourhoods."
"Our community is increasingly asking for more, and better-quality services, facilities and experiences.
"Those expectations are reasonable in a growing city, and Council has to make sure we can fund and deliver them responsibly.
"Blacktown City is one of Australia's fastest-growing cities. We have to maintain what we already have, operate new facilities coming online, and plan for the future.
"Our responsibility now is to get on with the job of delivering for Blacktown City."
IPART approval sets the maximum amount by which Council may increase its general income. It does not require Council to apply the full approved increase.
IPART also says councils can choose not to apply the full approved increase straight away and can catch up on any deferred amount over up to 10 years.
