“Sack the Lot of Them”: North Sydney Residents Protest Massive Rate Hike

By ANNA USHER

North Sydney residents are rallying against a proposed rate hike of nearly 90%, urging the community to sign petitions and contact local representatives ahead of a crucial council meeting on February 10.

The massive increase, intended to address the financial fallout from the disastrous North Sydney Olympic Pool redevelopment, has left residents outraged.

A detailed 817-page council report, released last Friday, revealed a recommendation to implement an 87.05% rate increase over two years, following over 1,000 public submissions.

The proposal has been met with widespread backlash on social media, with furious locals calling for councillors and management to step down.

“Incompetent council members should be held liable,” resident Bec Borrington posted. “Maybe they can also vote to scrap councillor salaries for 10 years and halve executive salaries,” added Peter Papas. Another commenter vowed, “We will protest in big numbers on February 10.”

The financial crisis is largely due to the troubled redevelopment of the 88-year-old heritage-listed swimming pool, which has ballooned from an estimated $58 million to a staggering $122 million.

Located under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the iconic pool has been closed since early 2021, with reopening delayed repeatedly amid mounting costs and operational mismanagement.

Local MP for Willoughby, Tim James, slammed the proposed rate hike as “disgraceful,” especially during a cost-of-living crisis.

“People are already struggling to make ends meet, and small businesses are battling to stay afloat,” Mr. James said.

“This proposal is out of touch. Councillors must reject it, regain control of their budget, and find savings. Ratepayers should not shoulder the burden of financial mismanagement.”

North Sydney Councillor Jessica Keen has confirmed her opposition to the increase, urging residents to sign petitions and participate in the February 10 meeting.

“This hike would disproportionately affect first-home buyers and older residents,” Ms. Keen said.

“The council must consider the financial strain on constituents and engage the community in these critical decisions.”

The Breakdown of the Proposed Rate Hike:

• 2025/26: A 45% increase in levies.
• 2026/27: A further 29% increase.
• Residential Rates: Minimum rates would jump from $715 to $1,200.
• Business Rates: Minimum rates would rise from $715 to $1,400.

If supported on February 10, Council will then apply to the NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for a “special rates variation,” enabling it to charge above the state-mandated rate cap. If approved, the increases would take effect from July.

A History of Mismanagement

The North Sydney Olympic Pool redevelopment has been plagued by errors. An independent review in 2023 cited significant failures, including incomplete designs, inadequate planning for wet weather delays, and mishandling of early works.

To date, the project has incurred delays of 148 days due to COVID, wet weather, and hazardous material removal.

To fund the project, the council borrowed $34.19 million from internal reserves and an additional $51 million externally, further straining its finances. The council also reported a $9.9 million revenue loss due to COVID, exacerbating the budget shortfall.

What Can You Do?

• Read the Council Report Here
• Sign the Petition Here
• Register to Speak at the February 10 Meeting Here
• Email Your Councillors Here

With over 69,000 residents across North Sydney suburbs, including Cremorne, Kirribilli, and Neutral Bay, the community’s response to this hot-button local issue will prove pivotal. Have your say!