Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council is seeking community members to be part of a rates Community Reference Panel.

“Council made a commitment to review the rates structure in 2023-24,” said Mayor Kenrick Winchester.

“The review will be looking at how fairly the rates structure is distributed across the whole local government area.”

QPRC was granted last year a rate variation of 18 per cent per year for three years – 64.3 per cent over three years. When Palerang Council and Queanbeyan City Council were merged in 2016, neither was financially sustainable, but legislation prevented them from increasing their income or consolidating administration offices or staff to reduce expenses.

“To help us with the review, we are forming a Community Reference Panel with ratepayers from across the region,” the mayor continued. “We want business owners, famers, and residents from our urban centres and rural areas to ensure representation from different rating categories.”

The Community Reference Panel is proposed to meet in two workshops between 4 and 15 March, on weekday evenings in Bungendore.

If you are interested in being part of the Panel, please complete an expression of interest before Monday 26 February. Find out more and register interest at yourvoice.qprc.nsw.gov.au/rates-review

“The reference panel will provide confidential advice to Council and it will be an important way for us to hear from the community,” Mr Winchester said.

“After the reference panel has provided their input, Council will develop a draft Revenue Policy which will include the rates structure, and this will be on public exhibition for everyone to comment on.”

The draft Revenue Policy is expected to be available and on public exhibition from April to May.