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COMMUNITY FAQ

Draft LongTerm Financial Plan 2026–2036

What is this consultation about?

This consultation is about Council’s Draft LongTerm Financial Plan — a 10year plan that looks at how Council might pay for services, infrastructure (like roads and buildings), and asset maintenance into the future.

Is this a vote on a rate rise?

No. There is no rate rise approved or decided as part of this consultation.

Why are people talking about rates then?

The draft plan shows different financial scenarios so the community can see the options and trade-offs.
One scenario keeps rates rising only by the usual annual cap.
Another scenario shows what could happen if Council later decided (in the future) to apply for a special rate increase to better fund roads, assets and services.
Showing scenarios does not mean a rate rise is happening, but it is being considered.

Is a rate rise a “done deal”?

No.
If Council ever wanted to increase rates above the cap in the future, it would require:
      - A separate Council decision
      - Further community consultation
      - Approval from the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART), the independent regulator
None of those steps have happened yet.

What feedback is Council actually asking for?

Council wants community views on:
      - Which financial approach is preferred
      - What services and infrastructure should be prioritised
      - Whether assets should be renewed faster or spending kept lower
      - Whether the assumptions in the draft plan make sense
Your feedback will help shape the final plan, not automatically change rates.

What is the key takeaway?

✔ This is about planning and options
✘ It is not a decision on rates
Council is listening before any decisions are made.

SOCIAL MEDIA POST

Draft LongTerm Financial Plan (LTFP) 2026–2036 – Community Information

All NSW councils are required to prepare a Long-Term Financial Plan as part of the State’s mandatory Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) framework.
The LTFP sets out long-term financial projections and options for how council services and infrastructure may be funded over time.
The current consultation:
      - Is a statutory requirement
      - Does not approve or decide rates
      - Includes scenario modelling only
Some scenarios in the draft plan model the potential use of a Special Rate Variation (SRV). This is included to show future options and implications only.
While no rate increase has been decided, community members may still provide feedback on:
      - long-term funding options, and
      - whether council should or should not consider a rate increase in the future.
Feedback received will inform the final plan.
We’ll share further information here about what a Special Rate Variation is, how the process works, and where to find official and correct information.

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