Cessnock Council will apply for a special rate variation with the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) after voting in favour of a significant increase to residential rates.
At a meeting last night, councillors backed the motion nine votes to four, despite strong opposition from the community. The proposed 39.9 per cent rise would add almost $600 to the average household’s annual rates bill.
Council says the increase is necessary to secure a financially sustainable future. However, an online petition against the hike attracted nearly 6,000 signatures, highlighting widespread concern among residents.
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The General Manager will now finalise and lodge the application with IPART.
