A second rate rise by the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council (QPRC) will see a 39 per cent increase to ratepayers in just over a year with additional water and sewerage charges also going up.

In place from Monday, July 1, the latest levy of 18 per cent comes after a Special Rate Variation (SRV) of a total of 64 per cent over three years was approved by a council majority of eight councillors to three in February, 2023.

Applications for SRV’s are required to be submitted to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) when local councils seek to increase general rates beyond the state-government determined rate peg.

Also taking effect from July 1, other charges set to increase in the local government area include 15.6 per cent for water supply, 6.5 per cent for the annual sewer charge, a further 4.5 per cent for “other water and sewer charges” and waste charges rising an additional 4 per cent.

Mark Schweikert, previously a Liberal councillor on the Palerang Council and elected to the newly formed QPRC in 2016 until 2021, says the current rises don’t take into account cost-of-living pressures.

“While a rate rise was necessary, 64 per cent – one of the highest in NSW – was a bit over the top,” he said.

“The fact they even suggested 96 per cent at one stage shows a total disconnect between the controlling Labor/Greens block and their community.”

Mr Schweikert acknowledged that the previous council had given consideration to a SRV.

“We considered a recommendation of a six per cent SRV per year over three years.”

“Our resolution was that a range of matters be looked at first including further efficiency savings, sale of non-strategic properties, grant funding and the potential for the transfer of emergency services assets back to the state government.”

“It’s disappointing a majority of this council supported it as its first course of action reaching into ratepayers’ pockets rather than its own.”

Queanbeyan resident Sian Rinaldi says she’s considering a tilt for council because of decisions such as the “excessive” rate rises.

“People are already struggling – ours is a young family trying to pay a mortgage – and these additional costs are making it so much harder.”

“What’s council doing to assist? We need strong and sustainable financial management and because of decision-making like this, I’m giving serious consideration to running for council.” 

QPRC has stated that the just adopted 2024/25 operational plan has a focus on “achieving a break-even operating result and having enough cash to continue to provide services and maintain infrastructure at levels that are acceptable to the community.”

The capital works program includes “progressing the new Bungendore Swimming Pool design” and construction of a second water reservoir for Jerrabomberra.

It also sees an increase of $1.2 million for road maintenance and a further $2.1million “allocated to road renewal projects” as well as an additional $500,000 to “improve the Development Assessment process”.