IPART says New South Wales councils, earmarked for merging under the Baird Government’s Fit for the Future reforms, will not be eligible for a minimum rate increase in 2016-17.
It’s good news for residents living in Port Stephens, Newcastle, Dungog and Gloucester, who’ll have their rates untouched, under guidelines released by the Office of Local Government (OLG) last week.
Those councils will also be unable to apply for a Special Variation to increase their general income above current growth.
The Office of Local Government is now examining the Fit for the Future proposals and will accept written submissions on potential council mergers until February 28.
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NEW SOPUTH WALES NEEDS TI GET THIS DONE.