Cessnock Council Approves Application for 39.9% Rate Hike, Community Outrage Grows
Cessnock, NSW — Cessnock City Council has formally approved the submission of a Special Rate Variation (SRV) application to IPART, seeking permission to impose a cumulative 39.9% increase in council rates, despite growing community opposition.
The decision was made at a recent council meeting, clearing the final internal hurdle before the proposal is assessed by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART). If approved, the increase would be phased in over several years and could add more than $1,000 a year to the average household’s rates bill.
The move has intensified backlash from residents, with a Change.org petition calling for the rate hike to be scrapped attracting thousands of signatures. Petition organisers argue the increase is excessive, poorly justified, and comes at a time when households are already under severe financial strain from rising electricity costs, insurance premiums, fuel prices and mortgages.
“This isn’t a modest adjustment — it’s a massive hit to families, pensioners and small businesses,” the petition states, warning many residents simply will not be able to absorb the increase.
Critics say Council has failed to adequately explore alternatives such as cost-cutting, asset rationalisation, staged infrastructure delivery, or external funding before opting for one of the largest proposed rate rises in NSW. Others have questioned past financial decisions and whether ratepayers are now being asked to pay for years of poor governance.
Council has defended the decision, arguing the SRV is necessary to address long-term financial sustainability, maintain services, and meet infrastructure obligations. However, opponents say approving the application before securing genuine community support undermines public trust and leaves residents feeling ignored.
With Council’s endorsement now complete, the final decision rests with IPART, which will assess whether the increase is justified, affordable, and in the community’s long-term interest. Residents still have the opportunity to make submissions directly to IPART as part of the review process.
Petition organisers are urging ratepayers to act quickly, warning that once IPART grants approval, the increase will be locked in.
“Council has made its choice — now it’s up to IPART and the community to decide whether this rate hike is fair,” the campaign states.