Community Invited to Have Their Say on Proposed Special Rate Variation
Published on 03 August 2026
Temora Shire Council’s ‘Securing Our Future’ consultation has officially opened, inviting the community to learn more about Council’s proposed Special Rate Variation (SRV) scenarios, explore the potential impacts and provide feedback.
Community members can have their say by completing the online survey, submitting a hard copy survey, or providing a written or online submission during the formal consultation period, which closes 9am Friday 28 August 2026.
The consultation follows Council’s ongoing discussions about long-term financial sustainability and its ability to continue delivering essential services, maintaining community facilities and renewing important infrastructure into the future.
Council has developed a Base Case and three SRV scenarios for community feedback. Each scenario reflects a different approach to improving Council’s long-term financial sustainability, including the level of services and investment in asset renewal that could be supported.
The scenarios are:
- Base Case – Rate peg only
Estimated cumulative increase: 10.87% over three years
The Base Case assumes no SRV application is made and rates increase only by the annual rate peg set by IPART. As Council is not currently financially sustainable, this scenario would require reductions to services and asset renewal over time.
- Scenario A – Stabilise finances with some service reductions
Estimated cumulative increase: 79.40% over three years
Council’s preferred scenario, Scenario A, aims to improve Council’s financial sustainability while balancing the impact on ratepayers. This scenario would require some reductions to Council services through the natural attrition of staff in identified areas of Council.
- Scenario B – Stabilise finances and maintain services
Estimated cumulative increase: 101.25% over three years
Scenario B would enable Council to maintain current service delivery and asset renewal at current levels while improving its long-term financial sustainability.
- Scenario C – Protect services and assets
Estimated cumulative increase: 124.25% over three years
Scenario C would enable Council to maintain current service delivery while increasing investment in the renewal of community assets.
The cumulative percentage increases shown for each SRV scenario already include forecast annual rate peg increases over the three-year implementation period. The rate peg is not added separately on top.
Council’s online rates calculator is available to help ratepayers understand what each scenario could mean for their individual property. By entering their assessment number from their rates notice, residents can view an estimate of their current rates and compare the potential impact of each scenario.
Temora Shire Council Mayor Rick Firman OAM acknowledged that the discussion around a potential SRV was a significant one for the community.
“We understand this is going to be a challenging conversation, particularly at a time when the rising cost of living is placing real pressure on our households and families,” Mayor Firman said.
“Council does not take this proposal lightly. We know any potential increase to rates needs to be carefully considered, and Councillors want to make sure our shire community has the information, time and opportunity to provide genuine feedback.”
Mayor Firman said Council recognised that some residents may be experiencing financial difficulty and encouraged anyone who may need assistance to reach out.
“Councillors and Staff know everyone’s circumstances are different, and Council has support measures in place for our shire residents who may be experiencing financial difficulty,” Mayor Firman said.
“If you are concerned about your ability to meet your rates payments, we encourage you to reach out and have a private and confidential discussion with Council about your circumstances and what support options may be available to you.”
“I encourage everyone to please review the information available, use the rates calculator, attend a drop-in session if they have questions, and provide their feedback before consultation closes.”
"Council has not made any decision. However, we know that we cannot continue doing what we're doing, so we need our shire community's help."
Upcoming Drop-In Sessions:
Springdale: Tuesday 4th August 2026
4pm – 5pm at Springdale Hall
Ariah Park: Wednesday 5th August 2026
11am – 1pm at Ariah Park Bowling Club
Ariah Park: Thursday 13th August 2026
4pm – 6pm at Ariah Park Bowling Club
At the conclusion of the consultation period, Council will review the feedback received alongside other relevant information before considering whether to submit an application to IPART for a Special Rate Variation. Council is expected to consider this matter in November 2026.
If you have questions about the proposed Special Rate Variation or would like more information, we're here to help. Contact the SRV Hotline on 6980 1100 (Option 0) or email engagement@temora.nsw.gov.au.
The Securing Our Future consultation information, rates calculator and survey are available at: https://www.temora.nsw.gov.au/Your-Council/Financial-Sustainability
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Temora Shire Council Media Enquires
Corporate Communications Officer – Elise Hawthorn
E: communications@temora.nsw.gov.au
P: 6980 1127