Mayor corrects misinformation on Council rates
Published on 13 April 2026
Statement from Mayor Jesse Fitzpatrick
Mayor Fitzpatrick has addressed recent commentary circulating in the community regarding Council’s finances and proposed changes to rates and charges.
“There is a significant amount of misinformation being shared, particularly claims that Council is increasing rates by 70%. This is not correct.”
For the 2026/27 financial year, general rate increases will be set in line with the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal rate peg of 3.3%. There is a proposed 15% access charge for water services and a 26% increase to water usage (to recover costs associated with operating, maintaining and renewing infrastructure as well as cover increased costs associated with the purchase of bulk water from WaterNSW) and a proposed 8.5% raise to sewer.
“Unfortunately, a significant amount of time is currently being spent addressing misinformation and narratives that are, at best, distorted and at worst, entirely manufactured. The recent discussion around potential rate rises has arisen because Council commissioned an independent report into its financial position. This report outlines the current state of Council’s finances and Council’s ability to renew and maintain its roads and infrastructure to the standard the community expects. This report presents three scenarios, ranging from maintaining the status quo through to various rate increase options.
Some individuals and organisations are using the existence of this report to generate concern and pursue their own agendas. It is important to be clear, the purpose of the Council meeting this week is to place both the draft 26/27 budget and the long term financial plan and asset management strategy on public exhibition.
It is NOT a decision point on increasing rates. Claims that the current financial challenges are the result of mismanagement or a lack of financial understanding by this or the previous Administration are unfounded. Council is taking a responsible and proactive approach to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the Council.
For many years, Council has been unable to increase rates beyond the rate peg, which has contributed to an operating deficit (before capital) and a significant backlog in infrastructure, particularly local roads. This report outlines these challenges and presents options to address them. Any future application to increase rates above the IPART rate peg will come before Council in June.
There is no world in which a recommendation in June will suggest a 70% rate rise.
I strongly encourage people to seek out the facts and challenge the narrative being played out on air and in social media – that information is readily available on Council’s website.
Any discussion about future rate rises above the rate peg will be communicated directly by me.”
Mayor, Wingecarribee Shire Council