Special Rate Variation

Jun
19
2025
By David Lewis
48.3% Rate Rise Endorsed in Heated Council Meeting

48.3% Rate Rise Endorsed in Heated Council Meeting

Council, Local News, , , ,
Glen Innes Severn Council has adopted a revised Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP) that includes a cumulative 48.3% Special Rate Variation (SRV) over three years, subject to approval by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART). The decision was made during a highly contentious council meeting on Thursday, 19 June 2025. The General Manager described the vote as "probably the most important decision this council will make for a very long time", as the council seeks to address a forecasted $4.7 million deficit and long-term financial challenges. Financial Review Sparks SRV Proposal The proposed SRV follows findings from a Financial…
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Jun
14
2025
By David Lewis
Council to Decide on Revised 48.3% Rate Rise

Council to Decide on Revised 48.3% Rate Rise

Council, Local News, , , , , ,
Glen Innes Severn Council will consider a revised Special Rate Variation (SRV) proposal at its meeting on 19 June. The revised recommendation follows a six-week community engagement process, “Shaping Tomorrow”, which closed on 6 June 2025. Financial Pressures Prompt Action The Council has reported significant financial pressure in its General Fund, forecasting an average annual operating deficit of $4.7 million from 2025/26 without a rate increase. To help address this, Council has implemented a series of savings measures, identifying more than $600,000 in efficiencies, reducing staff recruitment, and deferring some projects. Additional business improvement measures worth $65,000 annually for five…
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Jun
06
2025
By Cr Margot Davis
Open Letter From Mayor Davis to Anthony Albanese

Open Letter From Mayor Davis to Anthony Albanese

Local News, , ,
Dear Prime Minister RE: An Open Letter to the Prime Minister – When the Bush Pays for the City’s Silence There is a silent crisis unfolding across New South Wales—and it is not just about dollars and cents. It is about the growing divide between communities and their councils, the crushing pressure on local governments to fill widening service gaps, and the toll this broken system is taking on the very people who step forward to lead. Across the state, councils are being forced to consider Special Rate Variations (SRVs)—some in excess of 100%— not by choice, but by necessity.…
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Jun
05
2025
By David Lewis
Council Charges Set to Increase

Council Charges Set to Increase

Council, , ,
Glen Innes Severn Council’s Draft Operational Plan for 2024–25 outlines a range of proposed increases to fees and charges across core services—including waste, water, sewer, development, and community events. These proposed changes come in addition to a potential Special Rate Variation (SRV), which—if approved—would further raise general rates for property owners across the region. While the SRV is still under consultation, the Council has already detailed increases to specific service charges and user fees as part of its strategy to address financial shortfalls and move toward long-term sustainability. As residents consider the full picture, the combined impact of higher rates,…
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May
22
2025
By David Lewis
May Council Meeting Summary and Highlights

May Council Meeting Summary and Highlights

Council, Local News,
Glen Innes Severn Council held its monthly Ordinary Meeting on May 22nd. Councillors addressed a range of items, focusing on internal governance, financial matters, and community services. Key discussions included proposed changes to waste charges, financial hardship policies, and the ongoing consultation regarding a potential Special Rate Variation. Below is an overview of the main outcomes and discussions: Councillor Psychosocial Safety and Well-being: Council endorsed the development of a framework to identify, manage, and mitigate psychosocial hazards affecting elected members. This acknowledges the pressures faced by councillors, including public criticism and online issues. The General Manager was requested to prepare…
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May
21
2025
By David Lewis
Council Provides Details on Civic Building and Town Hall Plans

Council Provides Details on Civic Building and Town Hall Plans

Council, Local News, ,
As Glen Innes Severn Council continues its community engagement process regarding a potential Special Rate Variation (SRV), more detail has been provided about two significant projects referenced in the Draft Operational Plan: a new civic building and the future of the Glen Innes Town Hall. New Civic Building: Addressing Risk and Inefficiency In the General Manager’s message within the Draft Operational Plan, reference is made to the need for a new civic building, with a timeline of two years set out for the project. Questions from Glen Innes News have prompted Council to clarify key aspects of the plan. Council…
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May
15
2025
By David Lewis
Community Confronts Council Over Proposed Rate Hike at Packed Public Meeting

Community Confronts Council Over Proposed Rate Hike at Packed Public Meeting

Council, Local News, , , , ,
A large turnout of concerned residents attended a public meeting on Wednesday, seeking clarity and voicing anxieties regarding Glen Innes Severn Council's proposed financial measures, including a Special Rate Variation (SRV) and other increased fees. The meeting, intended to be a comprehensive overview, quickly transitioned into a robust question-and-answer session as residents pressed Council officials on the rationale and impact of the proposed increases. Council representatives opened the evening by highlighting the shire's precarious financial state, stating the Council is not currently financially sustainable and faces a projected average general fund deficit of around several million dollars over the next…
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May
14
2025
By Newsroom
Community Input Invited on Council Plans and Potential Rate Rise

Community Input Invited on Council Plans and Potential Rate Rise

Council, Local News, , ,
Glen Innes Severn Council continues to seek feedback from the community about its proposal to apply for a Special Rate Variation, with the next information session being held at the Glen Innes Town Hall this evening. Residents are encouraged to attend and learn more about Council’s future plans, its long term financial sustainability and their proposal for a Special Rate Variation. Council is contemplating a rate rise of up to 68% over three years in an effort to make council financially sustainable. Rate payers will be able to speak directly with Councillors and key stakeholders, pick up printed information and…
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Apr
28
2025
By David Lewis
Council to Consult Community on Possible Rate Rise

Council to Consult Community on Possible Rate Rise

Council, Local News, , , , , , , , , ,
Glen Innes Severn Council will consult the community on a proposed special rate variation (SRV) that could see rates increase by up to 68.5 per cent over three years, as part of its effort to address long-term financial sustainability. At its Ordinary Meeting held in April, councillors endorsed a number of strategies and plans under the Shaping Tomorrow Community Engagement Program. The program will gauge ratepayer sentiment on future planning priorities and potential SRV options. The community consultation period will run until 6 June 2025, with a final decision to be made at the Council’s meeting on 19 June. The…
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Apr
22
2025
By David Lewis
Council to Vote on Proposed Rate Rise to Tackle Budget Shortfall

Council to Vote on Proposed Rate Rise to Tackle Budget Shortfall

Council, Local News, , ,
Glen Innes Severn Council will vote on whether to adopt a number of long term plans, which include a proposed increase in rates, at its next meeting to be held on 24th April. Council, in a recent media release, highlighted that Council's General Fund is not financially sustainable. As a result, it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain and upgrade essential infrastructure such as roads, bridges, kerbing and guttering, parks, drainage, buildings and other community assets or provide new community facilities. This has prompted Council to consider the option of applying to the NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART)…
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