Rate Cap Variation Approved

Published on 19 May 2025

The Essential Services Commission has approved Indigo Shire Council's application for a rate cap variation of 7.54 percent for the 2025-26 financial year.

"This approval is a revenue-neutral transfer of our Environmental Management Contribution charge into general rates to comply with the Minister for Local Government's Good Practice Guidelines," said Mayor Cr Sophie Price.

"I want to make it absolutely clear to our community that this does not represent additional revenue for Council. The separate EMC charge will be removed from rate notices, resulting in no overall increase in Council revenue beyond the standard three percent rate cap."

Cr Price emphasised that the Commission's decision recognises the merit of Council's application.

"The Commission specifically noted that “the higher cap is in the long-term interests of ratepayers and the community” and acknowledged that Council has taken appropriate steps to ensure waste costs are efficient and our waste services deliver value for money," Cr Price said.

The application process included community consultation, with Council flagging its intentions during the 2024-25 budget process.

"We were transparent about our plans to apply for this variation, and no objections were received during our consultation process. The Commission recognised that the waste services funded by the EMC are valued by our community," said Cr Price.

"Council has complied with the rate cap set by the Minister for Local Government each year since the Fair Go Rates system was introduced. This variation, the first Indigo has ever applied for, was specifically requested to ensure we remain compliant with the new ministerial guidelines while maintaining the waste and environmental services our community expects."

The variation will come into effect for the 2025-26 financial year, with further details available in the draft Budget documents which can be viewed at ENGAGED INDIGO.

The ESC’s decision can be viewed on its website.

ENDS