Blacktown City Council has endorsed a proposed special rate variation to help meet the needs and expectations of its growing community for services and facilities.
The endorsement will trigger a 42-day consultation period, to start in early September during which Blacktown City residents and businesses will be informed and consulted on the proposed rate change.
The Special Rate Variation (SRV), an increase above the standard rate rise determined by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART), will help secure the future of recently announced major upgrades to the Blacktown and Mount Druitt swim centres, the extension of the Mount Druitt Library and Community Hub, the new Seven Hills Library and Community Hub, and other facilities. While the NSW Government has funded construction, Council must cover the costs of the ongoing staffing, maintenance and operation of these services. Most of the SRV increase would ensure the future of these facilities, along with an expanded Mount Druitt PCYC, a new First Nations Cultural Hub, and a new, larger Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre.
Much-needed maintenance and renewal to address a $108 million backlog of existing infrastructure, such as roads, footpaths, and stormwater drainage, would also be provided by the SRV.
A small portion of the SRV, 37 cents per week for those that pay minimum residential rates, would also contribute to the delivery of a new public administration building located at Warrick Lane in Blacktown CBD. The new building will complement the planned Blacktown Quarter development that will bring more jobs, people, public spaces, and entertainment into the heart of the city.
A new administration centre at Rooty Hill is also proposed. This would deliver operational efficiencies and better coordination for teams providing essential works to infrastructure. It would also bring a significant boost to the economy of the Rooty Hill town centre.
The need for a SRV is a consequence of the prolonged impacts of cost shifting from governments and address a long-term rates setting model that has not kept pace with the actual costs of NSW's largest and still growing Council.
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting encouraged residents to take part in the consultation program so they could give informed feedback.
"This is about funding the future of Blacktown City. If we don't act, Council may not be able to resource and deliver the services, playgrounds, footpaths, well-maintained roads and more that we all expect," he said.
"I urge everyone to participate in consultation and find out for themselves the full picture of what the rates change will mean for Blacktown City.
"Your feedback will shape Council decision-making."
For most of the community, those who pay minimum residential rates, the rates change would be an increase of $3.29 per week and apply from 2026/27.
This would comprise the $1.10 weekly increase set by IPART and a proposed $2.19 special rate variation, bringing the total increase to $3.29 per week.
For most smaller businesses (general), the rates increase would apply in 2026/27 (15%), and 2027/28 (8.5%) only.
These annual increases would remain permanently in the rates base, becoming part of annual rates going forward.
The community engagement and consultation program will soon provide information by direct mail, social media, face-to-face meetings, community forums and pop-up information sessions along with the Have Your Say feedback page on Council's website.
An independent research study will identify community sentiment, concerns and issues related to the proposed SRV.
Community feedback and the independent research will be presented in a report to Council before a decision on whether to apply to IPART for the rates change.
