It may not be a question anyone wants to consider, let alone say yes to, but Byron Shire Council is asking the community for feedback on a rate rise. Rising costs, ageing infrastructure and impacts from disasters are creating financial challenges for councils across NSW.

Council is proposing an incremental Special Rate Variation (SRV) over three years, starting in July 2027 — 12 percent, then 10 percent, then 9.6 percent — to a compounded total of 35.03 percent over the three years.

To see what that would look like for your property, go to the Rates Calculator at yoursay.byron.nsw.gov.au/srv/rates-calculator

Caught between a rock and a hard place, General Manager Mark Arnold explains: “We know people are frustrated by the state of our roads, the lack of footpaths and the need for better drainage … but Council’s ability to provide essential services for the community in the long-term is severely constrained by high costs, and our limited ability to raise extra revenue,” Mr Arnold said.

Have your say online before 30 October at yoursay.byron.nsw.gov.au/srv or at one of the Hinterland information sessions where you can chat with Councillors and Council staff:

• Tuesday 20 October, 5pm–7pm at Bangalow A&I Hall.

• Thursday 22 October, 5pm–7pm at Federal Hall.