INDEPENDENT magazine group HAWKESBURY • HILLS • BLACKTOWN
INDEPENDENT magazine group HAWKESBURY • HILLS • BLACKTOWN
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LOCAL LIFE
Community consultation on proposed Blacktown rates change
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Blacktown City Council has endorsed a proposed special rate variation( SRV) to help meet the needs of its fast-growing community. A 42-day consultation period will begin in early September, giving residents and businesses the opportunity to learn about the proposal and provide feedback.
The SRV is an increase above the annual rate rise set by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal( IPART). It is designed to secure the future of major projects including upgrades to the Blacktown and Mount Druitt swim centres, the Mount Druitt Library and Community Hub extension, and the new Seven Hills Library and Community Hub. While the NSW Government is funding construction, Council must cover staffing, maintenance and operational costs.
The proposed variation would also support the expansion of Mount Druitt PCYC, development of a First Nations Cultural Hub, and a larger Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre. In addition, it would help address a $ 108 million backlog in essential infrastructure such as roads, footpaths and stormwater drainage.
Part of the SRV would fund a new administration building at Warrick Lane in Blacktown CBD,
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complementing the planned Blacktown Quarter development, which is set to bring more jobs, public spaces and entertainment into the city centre. A second administration hub is proposed for Rooty Hill, improving coordination of essential works and providing an economic boost for the town centre.
Mayor Brad Bunting urged the community to participate in the consultation program.
“ This is about funding the future of Blacktown City,” he said.“ If we don’ t act, Council may not be able to deliver the services, playgrounds, footpaths and roads our residents expect. Your feedback will shape Council’ s decisionmaking.”
For most households paying minimum residential rates, the increase would be $ 3.29 per week from 2026 / 27.
This includes IPART’ s $ 1.10 standard rise and a $ 2.19 SRV. For most small businesses, the increase would apply only in 2026 / 27( 15 %) and 2027 / 28( 8.5 %). These changes would then remain permanently in the rates base.
The consultation program will involve direct mail, social media, forums, pop-up sessions and Council’ s Have Your Say webpage. An independent research study will also capture community sentiment, with results reported to Council before it decides whether to apply to IPART for the rate change.
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4 ISSUE 54 // SEPTEMBER 2025 theindependentmagazine. com. au BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT