What would happen if no SRV was implemented?

What are the alternatives to a Special Rate Variation? What would happen if no SRV was implemented in the Gunnedah shire?

Other options include reducing the service levels of current facilities managed by council as well as selling or disposing of assets that will reduce the associated on-going expenses.

Council said this is the “default scenario” if no decision is made about the Special Rate Variation but would result in further deterioration of assets and an increase in the asset renewal backlog.

Under this option, the impact would be sealed and gravel road networks would deteriorate.

Council would not be able to maintain the range of facilities and services currently provided and would heavily rely on grant funding to renew existing assets.

Community and recreational facilities such as pools and buildings would continue to deteriorate if grant funding is not successful and potentially closed when the risk of operating becomes unacceptable.

Council’s backlog of roadworks would continue to increase and gravel roads would not be improved.

If community would prefer this option instead of an SRV, council is seeking feedback during the consultation which services and assets residents would consider for this process.

Around the region – Special Rate Variations

The following councils have applied for and received SRVs in the past two years.

Tamworth Regional Council – 36.3 per cent over two years (2024/25).

Armidale Regional Council – 58.8 per cent over three years (23/24).

Liverpool Plains Shire Council – 18.1 per cent in one year (23/24).

Tenterfield Council – 43 per cent in one year (23/24).

Walcha Council – 57.4 per cent over three years (23/24).

What about those doing it tough financially?

For ratepayers experiencing financial hardship, Gunnedah Shire Council’s ‘Hardship Policy’ has recently been updated to ensure the most vulnerable in the community are supported. Hardship applications go before a panel made up of a mix of staff from council. Applications are assessed in-confidence before a recommendation is made whether to approve each hardship application.

Council said it is also reviewing options to minimise the impact of any potential rate rise on residents including consideration of a potential freeze of some annual charges. This could include a freeze on domestic waste and sewer charges for one year if the SRV proceeded.