Massive rate hikes approved for North Sydney and Ku-ring-gai

North Shore ratepayers have been slugged with double-digit rate rises that will see hundreds of dollars added to council bills.

People in Ku-ring-gai will pay 29 percent more in the 2026/27 financial year, while those in North Sydney will be forced to pay 52.6 percent more over the next three years.

The North Sydney rate rises will reach the compound figure of more than 50 percent via a 23 percent increase (2026/27), a 14.5 percent increase (2027/28) and an 8.3 percent increase (2028/29).

The significant rates increased were given the green light by the state’s Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) on Tuesday morning. 

Rates, explained: Each year, councils are only allowed to raise rates for residents and businesses by a limited amount, set by IPART in line with inflation. 

This is called the rate peg. Councils wanting to raise rates by more than this must state their case to IPART, which can approve a “special rate variation”. 

This year, the tribunal assessed 10 special variation applications, including from North Sydney and Ku-ring-gai councils. 

IPART estimates that in Ku-ring-gai, the 29 percent rise will add $24.2 million to council revenue, and increase average annual rates by $488.

North Sydney will see an additional $34.2 million in revenue after the rise is fully implemented over three years. The cumulative increase for the average North Sydney rates bill will be $563.

Why more? Ku-ring-gai and North Sydney councils cited the upkeep and renewal of infrastructure as key reasons for seeking the rate hikes, and IPART was willing to oblige.