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The Special Rate Variation
The Council has been canvassing the views of residents since October last year on our progress in implementing Pittwater 2020, the community’s strategic plan for the next ten years.
To deliver those outcomes and maintain Pittwater’s strength, independence and sustainability, the Council sees the need to continue the benefits of the current 5% Environmental Infrastructure Levy. This levy, introduced in 2002, will expire in July 2012. By replacing the levy with a special rate variation, the Council will be able to address aging infrastructure, continue protecting Pittwater’s natural environment and provide improved services for the community.
In the past Pittwater Council has structured its financial planning around a balanced budget and a small operating surplus. This is becoming progressively harder to achieve with escalating costs, aging infrastructure, government cost shifting and limited sources of revenue.
The reality is that costs are increasing at a faster rate than our current rate peg of 2.6% for the 2010/11 financial year. The Council believes that for Pittwater to remain strong and independent and continue to provide its current levels of service, the best course of action is to apply for a special rate variation. This will enable us to focus on an extensive capital works program which our community has told us they want. Among the benefits of upgraded infrastructure is a reduction in long-term maintenance costs for future generations.
What are the benefits of the special rate variation?
In addition to a fully-costed $38 million program of projects and works, the special rate variation will also provide further long-term benefits including:
- a renewed focus on infrastructure which our community have told us they want
- improved safety, amenity and better performance of community assets and facilities
- a reduction in long-term maintenance costs for future generations
- the ability to leverage additional income to increase grant funding opportunities
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