NBC Funding Our Future Website Link: https://yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/funding-our-future

Why This Matters

Northern Beaches Council (NBC) is proposing significant rate increases that will directly impact families, businesses, and our entire community. Their Special Rate Variation (SRV) proposal presents four challenging options:

• Option 1: Increase rates only by the annual rate peg, set at 3.8% for 2025/26. This would maintain current funding levels but require service reductions to address budget shortfalls.
• Option 2: Introduce a 6% annual rate increase (on top of the rate peg) for three years, resulting in a cumulative increase of 31.1%. This would allow NBC to maintain current service levels and address infrastructure renewal needs.
• Option 3: Introduce an 8.3% annual rate increase for two years, followed by an 8.4% increase in year three, totalling approximately 40%. This option would fund service improvements and larger projects, such as upgrades to recreational facilities.
• Option 4: Introduce a 10% annual rate increase for three years, resulting in a cumulative increase of 46.6%. This would expand services and accelerate infrastructure projects.

The Real Impact
These proposed rate increases would:

• Increase living costs during an already difficult economic time
• Threaten small businesses survival
• Place an unfair burden on ratepayers

Key Concerns
The council has not demonstrated that it has:

• Explored all possible cost-saving measures
• Addressed operational inefficiencies
• Made assurances that these increases will deliver real benefits

What's at Stake
If these rate increases proceed unchecked, our community risks:

• Greater financial strain on families and businesses
• Potential waste of ratepayer contributions
• Erosion of trust between the council and community

Why Act Now?
NBC is seeking feedback on proposed rate increases by 12 January 2025. This is our moment to demand:

• Real accountability
• Financial transparency
• Fair management of community resources

 

Our Submission to Northern Beaches Council

Submission on Special Rate Variation (SRV) Proposal

To: Northern Beaches Council 

Subject: Opposition to SRV Proposal Without Accountability and Transparency

Dear Council Representatives,

I am writing as a concerned ratepayer regarding your proposed Special Rate Variation (SRV) options. While I understand the financial challenges NBC faces, I strongly oppose any rate increase without clear efforts to:

1. Prioritise Cost-Saving Measures Before Rate Increases

Employee Costs and Rising Expenses: Employee expenses for 2023/24 rose to $159.3 million, making up 40% of total operating expenses. This upward trend suggests that current efficiency measures are failing to offset increasing costs.

Transparency Concerns: At the time of writing (27/11/2024), the 2020-21 financial statements are misleadingly listed under the 2023-24 annual report on the council’s website*. This makes it unnecessarily difficult for ratepayers to access accurate information and raises concerns about the council’s commitment to accountability and openness. *updated to correct as at 28/11/2024

Demand for Accountability: Ratepayers deserve assurance that no additional revenue from the SRV will fund wage increases or unjustified staff expansions. NBC must:

• Conduct independent audits of staffing costs
• Provide clear efficiency audit outcomes
• Publish detailed future projections for workforce spending
• Ensure transparency in financial reporting

2. Manage Population Growth Responsibly: Sydney's rapid population growth, driven by increased immigration and urban development, places unprecedented strain on local resources. The financial burden of this growth should not fall solely on local ratepayers. NBC must:

• Seek additional state and federal funding
• Develop sustainable resource allocation strategies

3. Reassess Climate Expenditure: While sustainability is important, NBC's climate emergency declaration in 2019 has led to costly programs that require greater scrutiny. The community deserves a clear understanding of the financial and practical impacts of these initiatives. NBC must prioritise local economic realities and ratepayer concerns over expansive policies with uncertain outcomes.

• Conduct thorough cost-benefit analyses
• Prioritise projects with immediate community benefits
• Disclose total climate-related spending and outcomes

4. Address Inflation and Mismanagement: It is unconscionable to ask ratepayers to bear the financial burden of inflationary pressures directly caused by unprecedented government stimulus, quantitative easing, and systemic economic mismanagement. The rising cost of living is already putting significant pressure on families and businesses. NBC must demonstrate it is doing everything possible to mitigate inflationary pressures internally and externally before seeking additional revenue from ratepayers.

• Justify inflationary costs
• Demonstrate internal efforts to reduce expenses
• Ensure rate increases are a last resort

5. Commit to Transparency: Ratepayers have a right to know exactly how their money is being spent and what value they are receiving. Without clear, consistent, and detailed reporting, trust in local government continues to erode. NBC must:

• Fully disclose allocation of additional funds
• Prevent revenue from being used for unjustified staff increases
• Provide regular progress reports to ratepayers

Conclusion

NBC must prioritise addressing inefficiencies and waste before asking for more from already burdened ratepayers. Until these issues have been properly addressed and clear evidence of progress is provided to all ratepayers, I strongly oppose the SRV proposal in its current form.

Yours sincerely,

Good Citizen

 

A Simple Message

"Every dollar taken from our hands is a thread pulled from our community, our children's education, our family's future, and our shared prosperity. If we accept this without question, it's the families who pay the price, and we risk teaching the next generation to endure waste and mismanagement rather than challenging it."

Take Action Now!

Don’t be fooled by the fat cats and bureaucrats mismanaging ratepayer funds. During tough economic times, families and businesses tighten their belts and cut down on excess just to survive. Perhaps it’s time NBC did the same.

If NBC is struggling to deliver essential services under current income levels, reportedly $441+ million for 23/24, of which ratepayers contributed $246+ million or 56%, it’s a clear signal to trim the fat at the top and focus on the real priorities of the community before asking for more.

By signing this petition, you're standing up for:

• Your family
• Your business
• Your community

Together, we can send a clear message: Northern Beaches Council must be accountable to ratepayers before asking for more.

Sign this petition today and make your voice heard!