governance · Woollahra Municipal Council
Woollahra rates and annual charges reach $77.95m for 2026-27
The package records $57.5 million in rates and $20.45 million in annual charges, while proposed changes to the second car parking permit fee increase were removed.
Woollahra ratepayers and charge payers are facing a 2026-27 revenue package totalling $77,949,211, with the Strategic & Corporate Committee recommending the rates and annual charges structure on 15 June.
The package includes $57,497,461 in rates and $20,451,750 in annual charges. Annual charges include a $708 domestic waste management charge, accounting for $19,957,250, and $494,500 in stormwater management charges.
The rating structure includes an $840 residential base charge and a $112 Environmental and Infrastructure Renewal Levy base charge. Residential rates are split between a base charge and an ad valorem component. Business properties have a $910 minimum rate, while business sub-categories include Double Bay, Oxford Street Paddington, Rose Bay, Edgecliff, Bellevue Hill, Plumer Road in Rose Bay, Queen Street in Woollahra and Watsons Bay.
The committee also removed proposed changes to the second car parking permit fee increase. It amended the plan to continue exploring opportunities to pedestrianise Knox Street and/or Knox Lane in Double Bay centre.
The committee recommended adopting the 2026-27 Operational Plan and budget, along with the Long Term Financial Plan covering 2026-27 to 2035-36. A separate amendment seeking further investigations into alternate uses for the Grafton Street car park and other revenue-generating options was lost.
The committee also recommended a 50 per cent fee reduction for eligible small local businesses holding footway or parklet approvals. The program would run for 12 months from 1 July 2026, with applications subject to independent financial verification and an update on uptake and financial impact due in the January 2027 budget review.
Following adoption, Council is to publish the rates, charges and related documents on its website and provide the relevant link to the Chief Executive of the Office of Local Government.
Reference minutes
Woollahra Municipal Council considered the package at its Strategic & Corporate Committee meeting on 15 June 2026.
Key facts from the minutes
- Total 2026-27 rates and annual charges: $77,949,211.
- Total rates: $57,497,461.
- Total annual charges: $20,451,750.
- Domestic waste management charge: $708 per charge, generating $19,957,250.
- Stormwater management charges total $494,500.
- Proposed changes to the second car parking permit fee increase were removed.
- The committee recommended a 50 per cent fee reduction for eligible small businesses with footway or parklet approvals from 1 July 2026.
Why it matters
- The package sets the rates and annual charges that households, property owners and businesses will pay during the 2026-27 financial year, subject to final Council adoption.