SRV FORMAL CONSULTATION HAS NOW CLOSED
Formal consultation on Temora Shire Council’s proposed Special Rate Variation (SRV) has now closed.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to provide feedback through the survey, written submissions, community sessions and other engagement activities.
An Engagement Report will be presented to the September Council meeting for Councillors to receive and note. The report will outline the feedback received throughout the consultation period.
A decision on whether Council will apply for a Special Rate Variation is not expected until the November Council meeting. Councillors will consider the community feedback and all relevant information before voting on whether to proceed with an SRV application.
Further updates will be provided as the process progresses.
Consultation Period
Opens: 17th July 2026
Closes: 28th August 2026
Table of Contents:
What's happening?
Council is seeking community feedback on potential Special Rate Variation options as part of its long-term financial sustainability planning.
Why Council is considering an SRV?
Like many rural councils, Temora Shire Council is facing rising costs, ageing infrastructure, and increasing pressure on the services and facilities the community values. Council has been reviewing its long-term financial position and is now consulting with the community on possible options.
What is an SRV?
A Special Rate Variation is an increase to council rates above the annual rate peg set by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART). Councils must apply to IPART for approval before introducing an SRV.
Has a decision been made?
No. Council is seeking community feedback before deciding whether to submit an application to IPART.
Who makes the final decision?
Council will decide whether to submit an application to IPART. If an application is submitted, IPART will independently assess it and make the final determination.
When will my rates increase?
Should Council resolve to apply for a SRV, and if the application is approved by IPART, any proposed rates increases would take effect from 1 July 2027.
Like many rural councils across NSW, Temora Shire Council is experiencing increasing financial pressures. Rising costs, ageing infrastructure and growing community expectations are placing pressure on Council's ability to sustainably deliver the services, facilities and infrastructure our community values.
Over the past two years, Council has undertaken extensive financial sustainability planning, including reviewing its Long-Term Financial Plan, engaging with the community through the Early Insights Survey and exploring ways to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Following this work, Council has resolved to undertake formal community consultation on potential Special Rate Variation options before making any decision about submitting an application to IPART.
Community feedback will play an important role in informing Council's next steps.
A Special Rate Variation (SRV) is an increase to council rates above the annual rate peg set by IPART.
Councils can only introduce an SRV if they apply to, and receive approval from IPART.
Before making an application, councils must demonstrate:
- why additional revenue is needed
- how the funding will be used
- that alternative options have been considered
- that meaningful community consultation has taken place.
An SRV is not automatically approved.
Council is seeking feedback on the following potential options:
| Scenario |
SRV# |
2027-28 |
2028-29 |
2029-30 |
Cumulative |
| A. Stabilise finances with some service reductions - Council's preferred option |
SRV |
26.0% |
16.5% |
12.0% |
|
| Rate Peg |
4.0% |
3.5% |
3.0% |
| Total |
30.0% |
20.0% |
15.0% |
79.40% |
| B. Stabilise finances and maintain services |
SRV |
36.0% |
21.5% |
12.0% |
|
| Rate Peg |
4.0% |
3.5% |
3.0% |
| Total |
40.0% |
25.0% |
15.0% |
101.25% |
| C. Protect services and assets |
SRV |
46.0% |
26.5% |
12.0% |
|
| Rate Peg |
4.0% |
3.5% |
3.0% |
| Total |
50.0% |
30.0% |
15.0% |
124.25% |
| Base Case |
Rate Peg |
4.0% |
3.5% |
3.0% |
10.87% |
Disclaimer: The options presented are for consultation purposes only. No final decision has been made.
*Cumulative increases include both the proposed SRV and forecast annual rate peg increases over the three-year implementation period.
What is the cumulative total?
The cumulative figure is not calculated by simply adding each year's percentage increase together.
Instead, each year's increase is applied to the previous year's rates, including any increases that have already occurred. This means the increases compound over time, in much the same way that interest compounds on a savings account.
For example, under Scenario A:
- Year 1, Rates increase by 30%
- Year 2, Rates then increase by 20%, but this 20% is applied to the already increased Year 1 rates
- Year 3, Rates then increase by 15%, again applied to the new Year 2 rates
Because each increase builds on the previous year's rates, the overall increase after three years is 79.4%, not 65%.
The tables below show the average annual rates for residential, business and farmland properties under each option. These examples are provided to help illustrate the potential impact of each scenario.
Please note that the actual rates payable for an individual property will vary depending on factors such as land valuation, rating category and Council's adopted rating structure.
| Rating Category |
Average Rate 2026/27 |
Average Rate Cumulative 2027/28 |
Average Rate Cumulative 2028/29 |
Average Rate Cumulative 2029/30 |
| Residential |
| Base Case - rate peg only |
$812 |
$844 |
$874 |
$900 |
Scenario A: Stabilise Council finances with some service reductions (preferred)
|
$812 |
$1,055 |
$1,266 |
$1,456 |
| Scenario B: Stabilise Council finances and maintain services |
$812 |
$1,136 |
$1,420 |
$1,633 |
Scenario C: Protect services and assets
|
$812 |
$1,217 |
$1,583 |
$1,820 |
| Business |
| Base Case - rate peg only |
$1,979 |
$2,058 |
$2,130 |
$2,194 |
| Scenario A: Stabilise Council finances with some service reductions (preferred) |
$1,979 |
$2,573 |
$3,087 |
$3,550 |
| Scenario B: Stabilise Council finances and maintain services |
$1,979 |
$2,771 |
$3,463 |
$3,983 |
| Scenario C: Protect services and assets |
$1,979 |
$2,968 |
$3,859 |
$4,438 |
| Farmland |
| Base Case - rate peg only |
$2,640 |
$2,745 |
$2,841 |
$2,927 |
| Scenario A: Stabilise Council finances with some service reductions (preferred) |
$2,640 |
$3,432 |
$4,118 |
$4,736 |
| Scenario B: Stabilise Council finances and maintain services |
$2,640 |
$3,696 |
$4,619 |
$5,312 |
| Scenario C: Protect services and assets |
$2,640 |
$3,960 |
$5,147 |
$5,920 |
All options presented are based on a permanent Special Rate Variation.
If approved by IPART, the increases would be introduced over three years. Once all three increases have been applied, the third year amount becomes the starting point for future rates. Each year after that, IPART's annual rate peg would be applied to that amount.
Council's Rate Calculator
Use Council’s Rates Calculator to estimate how each option could affect your rates. Click here to go to our Rates Calculator.
By entering your assessment number, you will receive an estimate of your rates for 2027–28, 2028–29 and 2029–30 under:
-
Scenario A: Stabilise finances with some service reductions (79.40%)
-
Scenario B: Stabilise finances and maintain services (101.25%)
-
Scenario C: Protect services and assets (124.25%)
-
Base Case (rate peg only)
Community consultation is open from 17th July 2026 to 9am 28th August 2026.
You can participate by:
- completing the survey
- attending a community information session
- making a written submission
- contacting Council with your questions.