We are consulting on the implementation of our new rate peg methodology
In 2023, IPART reviewed the rate peg methodology and decided to make major changes to the methodology to apply to the rate peg from the 2024-25 financial year.
In this review, we decided to:
- hold periodic ratepayer workshops for ratepayers and other stakeholders to provide their feedback and views on the implementation of the new rate peg methodology and for us to share any new developments
- establish a council reference group to advise on the implementation of our new rate peg methodology.
These are important ways that we will collect feedback and seek information on the implementation of the new rate peg methodology to inform the Tribunal.
We have now set the 2025-26 rate pegs
IPART has now set the rate pegs for the 2025-26 financial year following consultation with ratepayers and the community at our ratepayer workshop and IPART’s Council Reference Group.
For more information on the rate pegs, see the Rate pegs for the 2025-26 financial year and our Information Paper.
Ratepayer workshops
We held a ratepayer workshop on Tuesday 13 August 2024 to hear from ratepayers on issues we should consider when setting the 2025-26 rate peg. Ratepayers raised issues including the cost-of-living crisis and the impacts of rate increases, improving the special variations process, the regulatory model for councils and support to keep the rate peg in place.
The views expressed have informed the Tribunal’s decision making for the 2025-26 rate peg, and we thank everyone who made the time to attend the workshop and provide feedback.
Please see our Fact Sheet with a summary of the workshop.
We will get in touch with ratepayers and the community again about a future ratepayer workshop. Please register your interest below if you would like to keep up to date with these workshops or are interested in attending.
IPART’s Council Reference Group
IPART established the Council Reference Group (CRG), appointing 14 members, with 2 from the Office of Local Government (OLG), 2 from Local Government NSW (LGNSW) and 10 local government representatives. These were based on nominations from the OLG and LGNSW.
The CRG met on 12 August and 3 September to discuss the priorities it proposes the Tribunal consider for the 2025‑26 rate peg. Please see the communiques below for a summary of the meetings along with a list of members that attended:
The CRG will meet again at a date to be determined to workshop the priorities for the 2026-27 rate peg and discuss other issues it proposed at the CRG’s inception (see Communique – 22 July 2024).
As set out in the CRG Terms of Reference, the purpose of the group is to identify any practical issues or unintended consequences that might arise from the implementation of the rate peg methodology and impact communities. The CRG provides a forum to identify and address current and emergent issues.
The CRG is a consultative body — it plays an important role in informing the Tribunal about issues related to the rate peg methodology, but it is not a decision-making body.
The IPART Secretariat facilitates the CRG and reports to the Tribunal on matters discussed.
You can contact us directly
The Council Reference Group and ratepayer workshops are not the only way stakeholders can engage with IPART about issues related to the rate peg methodology. Stakeholders may continue to approach IPART directly to raise issues or concerns related to the rate peg methodology.
To hear more about the Council Reference Group and/or how you can participate in a ratepayer workshop, please register your interest.