Have your say: Ku-ring-gai council seeking community feedback on potential rate hikes

Residents of the local government area have four options to give feedback on, ranging from a standard 3 percent increase, to a 33 percent increase.

Huw Bradshaw
July 22, 2025

Seeking to fund the “renewal and upgrade of aging infrastructure” in the upper North Shore region, councillors of Ku-ring-gai have put forward plans to increase rates in the 2026/27 financial year.

But before it increases rates, the council must apply for a special rate variation, which is necessary when a council proposes a rise larger than the standard annual increase of 3 percent.

Ku-ring-gai council is currently seeking community feedback on its plans, which have been split into four distinct options. These include the standard rate rise of 3 percent and three increasingly larger rates, of 22, 29, and 33 percent increases.

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According to a council press release, these rate hikes are necessary because “the cost of providing Council services has increased by 40 percent but rates revenue has only grown by 28 percent”.

Each option details estimates of where the funds received from higher rates would go, including the renewal and upgrades of roads, footpaths, community buildings, and parks, as well as the funding of major projects such as the St Ives indoor sports centre or upgrades to the Marian Street Theatre.

The current average residential rate for the Ku-ring-gai LGA is $1,720. Under the standard rate rise, this would increase by $52, while under the highest proposed rise, it would increase by $568.

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Residents can access the council survey on the proposed rises via the Ku-ring-gai engagement hub website. Submissions will close on the 31st of August.