4.9pc rate rise inbound for residents in City of Palmerston draft municipal plan

More than two-thirds of residential property owners in Palmerston are facing an almost five per cent minimum rate increase. Find out how much this equates to.

More than two-thirds of residential property owners in Palmerston could see a 4.9 per cent minimum rate increase. Picture: Sam Lowe

More than two-thirds of residential property owners in Palmerston will likely see a 4.9 per cent minimum rate increase, according the City of Palmerston’s draft municipal plan for 2025-26.

It is the second budget in two years that rates have risen by 4.9 per cent – with this year’s likely increase equating to about $68 more per annum, or $1.30 per week.

Minimum rates have continued to rise since the 2021-22 budget, in which ratepayers saw an increase of 2.4 per cent; in 2022-23, 2.9 per cent; in 2023-24, 4.3 per cent; and in 2024-25 and 2025-26, 4.9 per cent.

On top of minimum rates, the waste service charge will also increase by $55.

City of Palmerston Council. Picture: Sam Lowe

Commercial and industrial properties will see a $69.24 increase to the minimum rate as well.

According to the plan, 52.8 per cent of rates were spent on “materials, contracts and other expenses” and 29.3 per cent on employee benefits and costs.

Zooming out, the City of Palmerston, home to more than 41,000, will administer a budget of about $50 million.

“Efforts have been undertaken to reduce rising operational costs being passed on to the community,” the plan stated.

Highlights from the plan include: Free parking, facility hire and entry to SWELL; $6.60 million total capital works spend; $1.44 million roads capital program; $650,000 for play space upgrades; $607,328 for maintaining footpaths and laneways; $100,000 for arts and culture; $350,000 for animal management facility upgrades; $311,000 for public lighting; $250,000 in funding through our Community Funding Program; and 500 new trees.

Damian Hale, Acting Mayor of the City of Palmerston. Picture: Keri Megelus

Palmerston’s acting mayor Damian Hale, while not acknowledging the rise in rates, said it was important the council presented a municipal plan that reflected Palmerston’s growth.

“We are committed to ensuring high standards of service delivery and will continue to support the community through free facility hire and entry to SWELL, free community events and support for local businesses,” he said.

“Our community is at the centre of all we do, and we take every opportunity to consult with our residents and involve them in decision-making.

“I encourage the community to read council’s draft municipal plan and provide feedback to ensure we continue to meet the needs and expectations of the community.”

Community members are encouraged to contribute to the decision-making process which runs until May 13.

To provide community feedback, visit: palmerston.nt.gov.au/community-engagement

Originally published as 4.9pc rate rise inbound for residents in City of Palmerston draft municipal plan