IPART is seeking feedback on draft recommendations for potential changes to the local government rating system which aim to provide councils with more options to levy rates, whilst ensuring NSW ratepayers would be protected against excessive rate increases. Submissions on the draft recommendations are being sought until 14 October 2016. Public hearings are scheduled for Sydney on 19 September and Dubbo on 10 October 2016. Final recommendations will be provided to the NSW Government in December 2016.