Dr Michelle Byrne – Mayor of the Hills Shire
Council is currently consulting on a proposed new rating structure designed to keep residential rates equitable and sustainable as The Hills continues to grow.
As the fastest-growing council area in NSW, our community is placing increasing demand on everyday services such as local roads, parks, libraries and waste services.
The proposed changes aim to better reflect today’s community and share costs more fairly across households, while helping to reduce financial pressure over time.
Council modelling shows around 47,482 households would be better off under the proposed structure compared with keeping the current system.
Imagine Council’s rates income as a pie. Put simply, this proposal is about sharing the pie more fairly. The size of the pie does not change — Council is not collecting more overall revenue — but the way it is sliced better reflects the community we are today. By adjusting how costs are shared, the proposed structure ensures more residents are better off overall and helps spread the cost of our shared services more fairly across households.
On average, apartment owners would see an increase of around $3.85 per week, while standalone homeowners would experience an average increase of about $0.56 per week, including the IPART-set rate peg.
Pensioner rebates will continue to apply, and the proposal will not increase Council’s overall rate revenue beyond legislated limits. Community feedback is now open, and I encourage you to review the proposal and have your say before Council makes a final decision.
Flexible Payments with Payble
To help residents manage their rates more easily, Council has introduced Payble, a flexible online payment option that allows rates to be paid weekly, fortnightly, monthly or quarterly, as well as one off payments.
Payble is simple to set up and includes SMS reminders to help you stay on track. If you are experiencing difficulty paying your rates, Council staff are available to discuss payment arrangements and support options.
Stockhorse Avenue Reserve, Box Hill
I’m pleased to see progress being made on Stockhorse Avenue Reserve in Box Hill.
This new park will provide much-needed recreational space for the growing Box Hill community, with plans including a modern playground, basketball courts, picnic shelter, kick-about area, pathways and seating.
Community consultation is now open, and I encourage local residents to provide feedback to help shape a park that reflects the needs of local families.
Lunar Street Festival in Castle Hill
February will finish on a high note with the Hills Lunar Festival on Saturday 28th February, from 2.00pm to 9.00pm.
Castle Hill Main Street (Old Northern Road between Castle Towers and Castle Mall) will come alive with food stalls, live performances, roving entertainment, free children’s activities and vibrant decorations, culminating in a fireworks finale.
This event is a wonderful opportunity to come together and celebrate the diversity that makes The Hills such a welcoming place to live. I hope to see many of you there.