Strathfield Council: Council rates could rise despite cost of living pressures

Ratepayers in Strathfield could soon be forking out hundreds more in rates after councillors voted in support of a rate hike. See how it could affect your hip pocket.

Strathfield Council Chambers.

Ratepayers across Strathfield could soon see a hit to their hip pocket, with a council proposal voted through which would see residents paying hundreds more in rates.

At Tuesday’s council meeting, councillors were almost unanimous in their support of making an application to IPART for a special rate variation (SRV), with only councillor Benjamin Cai voting against the motion.

If the SRV is approved, Strathfield residents will see their ordinary rates increase by 35.1 per cent in 2023/24, 13 per cent per cent in 2024/25, 17 per cent in 2025/26 and 7.5 per cent in 2026/27.

According to council documents, Strathfield’s SRV application came on the back of an extensive community consultation period.

“The community were advised that the SRV proposals were intended to address the financial sustainability of Strathfield Council and address funding gaps, especially infrastructure backlogs,” council documents state.

Strathfield Council has voted to make an application for a SRV.

While majority of respondents preferred the SRV to be applied over four years rather than one, there were a significant number respondents who did not support the SRV proposal.

“Given the rise in inflation, interest rates and general costs, it will be helpful if such rises are deferred until the economy stabilises in Sydney,” one survey respondent wrote.

Strathfield Mayor Matthew Blackmore. Picture: David Swift.

“I personally will not be able to afford the increase even if you spread it over four years,” another resident wrote.

“I have the kids and cost of living has gone up as well as interest rates. The 19.4 per cent increase that council is asking for is very unreasonable and council clearly haven’t taken families into account.”

A council spokeswoman said the proposed rate increases were necessary because council had been producing operating deficits over the past few years, with a funding backlog for the renewal of infrastructure assets amounting to $16.1 million.

Strathfield Mayor Matthew Blackmore also said the application was needed to ensure the area’s financial sustainability.

“This application for a special rate variation is to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of council and meet the demands of our growing population,” he said.

“If the SRV application is approved it will enable council to provide the highest quality services for our residents to ensure our streets are clean; our roads, footpaths, community facilities and green spaces are in good condition; our street trees are pruned and our property values are maintained.”