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...