There is a lot of conversation happening across Byron Shire at the moment about Council’s proposed Special Rate Variation (SRV).
It is a big topic, & there are understandably a lot of questions.
What exactly is being proposed? Why does Council say it is needed? What would it actually mean for our rates & perhaps most importantly, what would the extra money be used for?
We don't have all the answers yet.
So we’re planning a community meeting in Suffolk Park to talk through what we know so far, hear what people are thinking & give everyone an opportunity to ask questions.
What is a Special Rate Variation?
A Special Rate Variation is a request for Council to increase its general rate income above the annual rate peg set by IPART (Independent Pricing & Regulatory Tribunal).
Byron Shire Council is currently considering an SRV as one option to address its longer-term financial challenges.
Council has not yet decided to proceed with the SRV.
The proposal currently being considered would increase ordinary land rates by:
- 12% in 2027/28
- 10% in 2028/29
- 9.6% in 2029/30
These increases include the normal annual rate peg. Taken together, Council estimates this would result in a 35.03% compounded increase over the three years.
The SRV would apply to ordinary land rates only. It would not apply to water, sewer, stormwater or waste charges.
So what would it actually cost?
This is where things get a little more complicated.
The amount each property pays will depend on things including its land value & rating category, so there isn't one figure that applies to everyone.
Council has created a rates calculator where you can enter your address & see an estimate for your property.
We gave it a try.
For our President, Kelly Minahan, the calculator showed an increase of around $527 over the three years, which works out a little under $3.40 a week.
That is one property, of course & everyone's situation will be different. But this could be a useful way of putting the proposed increase into perspective.
Why does Council say it is needed?
Council's argument is that it is facing ongoing financial pressure, including rising costs, ageing infrastructure & a growing gap between what it currently receives in revenue & what is needed to maintain services & renew infrastructure.
Without additional revenue, Council says it will increasingly struggle to maintain current service levels & meet infrastructure renewal targets.
The proposed SRV is intended to help address that longer-term financial gap, including investment in infrastructure maintenance & renewal, climate adaptation, stormwater drainage, roads, footpaths & cycleways.
But there are also other options on the table.
Council's own consultation acknowledges that an SRV is one option, alongside measures to increase other revenue & reduce expenditure.
What does this mean for Suffolk Park?
This is where we think the conversation gets particularly important.
Suffolk Park has some very real infrastructure needs.
Flooding & drainage, roads, pedestrian connections, the Southern Gateway, coastal infrastructure & community facilities are all issues our community has been advocating on.
If rates are going to increase, we want to understand what that could mean for Suffolk Park.
What would we like to see prioritised?
What should Council be investing in?
What other options should be considered?
How can we make sure that any additional revenue is used where it is most needed?
Let’s talk about it...
This is a big decision for Byron Shire & we don't think it should be something people feel they have to work out on their own.
Our President recently attended the Floodplain Management Advisory Committee meeting, where he had the opportunity to speak with Heather Sills, Council's Manager Corporate Services, & came away with a much better understanding of the financial issues Council is trying to address.
There is still a lot to understand, & we think the best way to do that is together.
We’re planning a Suffolk Park community meeting to talk about the Special Rate Variation, what we know so far, what we still don't know & what it could mean for our community.
Before then, our President will also be attending a Byron Shire Community Roundtable next week, alongside other elected community representatives from across the Shire, to discuss the proposed SRV with Council staff. This will be a great opportunity to ask questions, hear more about the proposal & make sure we’re better informed ahead of our community meeting.
We’ll share what we learn with the community, so we can have an informed conversation together.
SPCA Meeting details coming soon.
We'll share the date, time & location as soon as they are confirmed.
In the meantime, you can read Council's information, explore the FAQs & use the Council rates calculator to see what the proposed changes could mean for your own property.
The current consultation is open until 30th October 2026.
Whatever your view on the SRV, this is an important conversation for our community.
Come along, ask questions & have your say.
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