THE only councillor to vote against the draft budget for the Port Macquarie-Hastings is warning of a cumulative blow-out in rates and charges, while Council is warning of a reduction in services if the increases don’t go ahead.
At their March meeting, seven councillors endorsed Council’s draft long-term financial plan and revenue policy while Cr Mark Hornshaw voted against it.
Called “Our Community, Our Plan in Action”, the suite of documents includes the Delivery Program 2025-29 (Year 2) and the Operational Plan 2026-27.
The drafts recommend taking up the available six per cent rate peg, and increasing water and sewer fees and charges.
Substantial borrowings and drawing down on reserve funds are also flagged.
Mayor Adam Roberts said this will ensure Council maintains core infrastructure and service delivery while “investing in the infrastructure to support our growing region”.
Council’s plans include its largest ever capital works program.
Worth more than $200m, it includes the initial construction stages of the Cowarra Water Supply Scheme ($51.7m) and the Thrumster Wastewater Scheme ($32m).
Cumulative cost
Based on current forecasts, Cr Hornshaw has calculated that the cumulative cost to ratepayers over the five-year program will amount to a 20 percent increase in general rates; a 27 percent increase in fees and charges; a 36 percent increase in water rates; a 48 percent increase in sewer rates; and a 32 percent increase in waste charges.
“Our water and sewer are at capacity, and a huge investment is needed in order to develop more housing,” he said.
“But that is not the fault of current residents.
“We are asking the State Government for a massive investment in water and sewer infrastructure.
“But if we push this rate rise through, [they] can cost shift onto us – just as we cost shift onto ratepayers.
“I don’t think that’s fair.
Council’s General Manager Robert Fish acknowledged the potential increases but clarified to News Of The Area that they are not yet confirmed.
“Importantly, the Long Term Financial Plan sets out assumptions and forecasts, not fixed decisions for the entire period,” he said.
“The figures referenced represent cumulative projections over a five-year period, rather than single-year increases.
“Council reviews its budget, rates and charges annually, with each year’s Operational Plan subject to further community engagement before being adopted.”
Lack of support
Cr Roberts said he has lobbied the state and federal governments for grants to subsidise costs to the community.
“Support hasn’t been forthcoming as yet, even though both [major] projects carry a State-significant Infrastructure (SSI) categorisation,” he said.
“This lack of financial support from other levels of government means that Council must now look at other options within our own budgets and revenue streams… which, unfortunately, includes raising fees and charges and taking up the available rate peg.”
In an earlier statement, Mr Fish said it’s a case of managing the financial realities that businesses and councils across the state are facing.
“Our budget makes reasonable and responsible adjustments to rates to support these challenges.
“Whilst these adjustments are needed, our rates and charges remain in the vicinity of fees and rates charged by other councils in the region.
“If we don’t push ahead with the current draft plans and budget, it could also mean reducing service levels for maintaining our public spaces, amenities and other essential assets.”
Cr Hornshaw noted how general rates were frozen during Peta Pinson’s terms as Mayor and suggested that current councillors should also “play that brinkmanship game”.
“We should be saying to the State, ‘it’s needed, but our ratepayers can’t afford it, find the money some other way’.”
Have your say
The draft “Our Community Our Plan in Action” went on public display on Monday 30 March and will be available until 1 May.
It can be found online on Council’s Have Your Say page.
Just go to haveyoursay.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/draft-operational-plan-2026-27.
The page also lists the planned council “pop-ups” to discuss the budget, which start from 8 April.
Residents are being urged to review the documents and to leave feedback through the proper channels.
Comments left on social media are not taken into account.
The draft will be finalised and presented to councillors again in June.
By Sue STEPHENSON
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