Cessnock Residents: Council Votes to Push Rate Hike — Here’s What It Means

The vote is in. Council has officially notified IPART of their intention to apply for a Special Rate Variation and signaled that they will begin community consultation. Every Councilor except Cr Jessica Jurd and CR Quintin King voted in favor.

Let’s be clear: this vote doesn’t approve the rate rise itself — it starts the process. But the implications are huge. Council now has the green light to ask IPART for permission to raise rates, while beginning a consultation process designed to inform the community after the fact.

Councilors blamed the previous Council repeatedly, and the CFO struggled to answer basic questions, taking many on notice. Thanks to Councilor King, we now know what residents and businesses face if the Special Variation is approved:

• Average household: +$596 per year
• Average business: nearly +$2,000 per year
• Additional revenue for Council: ~$20 million per year

And when asked if the increases would fund improved services, the answer was straightforward: no. This is strictly to maintain current services and financial sustainability. In short: your rates go up, services stay the same, and accountability is still in question.

Cr Jurd pointed out that Council currently brings in around $50 million in rates per year, yet pays out $56 million in staff wages. Under this proposal, Council refuses to reduce its own costs or cut jobs, while asking residents and businesses to bear the burden.

Cessnock residents, this is your opportunity to make your voice heard. The consultation process is your chance to ask questions, demand transparency, and ensure Council knows the community is watching every step of the way.