Council General Rates to Increase by 2%

In response to the misleading article by the Coonabarabran Times Warrumbungle Shire Council is clarifying that General Rates are to increase by 2%, Water charges are to increase by 15% and Sewer charges are to increase by 5%.

“Warrumbungle Shire Council has placed its 2021/22 Draft Budget and Fees & Charges and Draft Operational Plan for 2021/22 on public exhibition and is seeking submissions from the community,” said Warrumbungle Shire Council Mayor, Councillor Ambrose Doolan. “Adding all of the percentages together does not result in a 22% rate!”

“The proposed increases of 2% for General Fund, 15% for water charges and 5% for sewer charges apply to the respective components only. Hence the increase of 2% applies to General Fund rates only, the increase in water charges applies to water charges only etc.”

“The largest component of the increase relates to water charges with a proposed increase of 15%. This increase is necessary due to: 

• low water consumption by consumers; 
• the ongoing impacts of emergency works required during the drought; 
• maintenance of, and increase in, service levels across the Shire; and 
• costs increasing more than revenue.” 

“There is also a proposed 2% increase in waste collection charges, again this increase only applies to the waste collection.”

“The Draft Operational Plan is currently on display and provides the community with an overview of the projects, programs and activities that Council will deliver in the next financial year as well as including the proposed budget along with proposed fees and charges,” said Councillor Doolan. 

“Don’t miss the opportunity to let us know your thoughts on the draft plan. Comments on the draft plan and associated documents need to be made by 4.30pm Monday, 17 May 2021,” concluded Cr Doolan. 

Written submissions on Council’s Draft Operational Plan for 2021/22 are invited and can be submitted online under the ‘Have Your Say’ tab on Council’s website, or in hard copy addressed to the General Manager, PO Box 191, Coonabarabran, NSW, 2357. 
 
Click here to download media release

Last Updated: 23 Dec 2022