‘Unacceptable’: Blacktown battlers slam looming $171 annual increase

People living within Blacktown LGA are concerned about the measures they might need to take if the council increases rates by $170.

Rashmi and Yash Pande, with their children, Maan, 7, and Rishi, 5, in Schofields. Picture: Justin Lloyd

A plan by the state’s largest council to raise rates by $170 in the next year has outraged locals, who say it is “unacceptable” in the midst of a cost of living crisis.

Blacktown City Council will apply for a special rate variation this year, claiming it is facing a financial black hole threatening to blow out to more than $700 million - while the area’s population is also expected to balloon from 450,000 to 600,000 by 2040.

The special rate variation – combined with the regular rate increase – could cost residents paying the minimum residential rate an extra $3.29 per week, or $171 annually.

Rouse Hill resident Ashish Desai said the rate rise came at a terrible time for his family, with both he and his wife needing to consider looking at getting a second job to keep up with the added cost of living.

Kalrav and Ashish Desai, with their daughter Kynah, 16, at home, in Rouse Hill. Picture: Justin Lloyd

He claimed the couple is forced to rely on financial assistance from their son to help their youngest daughter a better education, and are looking at trading their car for an electric vehicle because of the cost of fuel.

“My son has started working a bit and he can help with my daughter’s education fees,” Mr Desai said.

“I can’t even afford money for fuel, so I need to buy an electric car on loan, just to keep going.”

Yash Pandey lives in Schofields, a suburb within the Blacktown LGA, with his wife and two children, and agrees there needs to be major upgrades to his community.

Rashmi and Yash Pande, with their children, Rishi, 5, Maan, 7, at home in Schofields. Picture: Justin Lloyd

Mr Pandey said he currently takes his two children out of their suburb to use a playable park, and is not confident the rate rise will fix what he sees as the key issues.

“The cost of living in Sydney right now is crazy,” Mr Pandey said.

“On top of that, we are now being charged an extra (almost) $200 for something that you’re not even going to receive a service for.”

Mayor Brad Bunting told The Telegraph over the weekend the temporary hikes are intended to generate an additional $49 million over three years, aiming to tackle the mounting cost pressures resulting from infrastructure and staffing needs.

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