The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) has released data outlining community participation in the recent Special Rate Variation (SRV) process across New South Wales.
The 3-week consultation period opened on 17 February and closed on 9 March 2026.
In total, ten local government areas submitted applications to IPART seeking approval for a Special Rate Variation. As part of its standard process, IPART invited public feedback on each proposal. Residents were given two avenues to participate: they could lodge a formal submission either supporting or opposing their council’s application, and they could also complete an online survey to express their views. Having completed the survey or lodging a submission were not mutually exclusive
In the case of Glen Innes Severn, the level of community engagement was particularly noteworthy. A total of 135 written submissions were received, alongside 330 completed surveys.
When considered in the context of population size, Glen Innes Severn recorded the highest participation rate of all council areas involved in the process. This result highlights a very strong level of civic engagement within the community on an issue of local financial significance.
