Byron Shire Council has moved a step closer to seeking a special rate rise, unanimously endorsing a community engagement program that will form a key part of any future application to increase rates above the state-imposed cap.

Tweed Shire Council says it has adopted one of the lowest rate increases in the cross-border region for 2026/27, with the average household bill rising around 3.6 per cent once all charges are counted. This is below the current annual rate of inflation of 4.2 per cent.

A "Community Conversation" session on Byron Shire Council's Operational Plan, Budget and financial plans will be hosted tonight (online only) from 5pm–7pm.

Byron Council is considering a significant increase in residential rates that could see local rate bills jump by more than 30 per cent over three years, as it tries to address its deteriorating financial position.

The NSW government keeps harping on about the length development applications (DAs) take to be processed by councils, and recently it announced it is removing the DA approval process from councils’ hands

Despite a vociferous social media campaign, there were no deputations or members of the public present in the gallery as Ballina Shire Council unanimously voted to proceed with a special rate variation at its epic final meeting for the year.

The Australian College of Nursing says the latest Healthcare Quarterly report from the New South Wales Bureau of Health Information again underscores the urgent need for investment in preventive and primary health care to address increasing rates of chronic illness.

The Kyogle Council has included increases to general and sewerage rates in a draft $61.3 million budget on public display and available for comment.

The impact of recent land valuations between the coast and hinterland was highlighted at last week’s Tweed Shire Council meeting with Mayor Chris Cherry bringing a Notice of Motion to examine different ways the rates system could be adjusted to compensate for the disparity.

A new proposed flat minimum rate across the Byron Shire aimed at easing pressure in the housing market would put 238 residential properties in higher rates brackets.