Muswellbrook Shire Council have confirmed their application to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART), seeking a Special Rate Variation (SRV).
The increase applies solely to the mining rate category and represents an average increase of around 49 per cent for mining assessments in the first year. This is made up of a 25.9 per cent SRV and the 3.1 per cent rate peg.
“As Muswellbrook’s mineral resources dwindle and mines’ production winds down, land values reduce and the Shire’s overall rating base contracts,” a Muswellbrook Council statement said.
Mining accounts for around 56 per cent of Muswellbrook Shire’s total rate revenue, with financial modelling warning that without a responsible fiscal response from Council, Muswellbrook Shire faces the loss of 25 per cent of its overall rate income as mines near closure.
Muswellbrook Mayor Jeff Drayton said the council values the mining sector and its contribution to the region, but cannot prioritise shareholder profits over community needs.
“We value mining and its contribution to our region — long may it continue, but that doesn’t mean the council should ever put the interests of shareholders and company profits above those of our Muswellbrook Shire community,” he said.
Feedback on the special rate variation is open until 9 March 2026 via survey or a submission. To provide your feedback or find out more information please visit the IPART website here.
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