Cremorne residents could soon face higher costs both at home and in their local community, with a proposed 52.66 per cent rate increase and new fees for organised events at locations including Cremorne Point Reserve under consideration by North Sydney Council.
The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) recently approved North Sydney Council’s application for a Special Rate Variation (SRV). This paves the way for a cumulative 52.66 per cent rate increase over three years.
The Rate Hike Breakdown
If adopted, average residential rates will jump by:
- 23.3 per cent from July 2026
- 14.2 per cent from July 2027
- 8.2 per cent from July 2028
By the 2028–29 financial year, the average residential ratepayer will fork out roughly $563 more annually. Unlike standard annual rate pegs, this permanent increase will boost Council’s general revenue from $64.86 million to $99.01 million.
However, the hike is not yet a done deal. While IPART has given the green light, North Sydney councillors must still vote on whether to adopt the increase in full, reduce it, or reject it entirely.
Strong Community Backlash
The proposal has sparked fierce community opposition amidst the current cost-of-living crisis. Of the 1,047 public submissions received by IPART, 86 per cent opposed the rate hike, and 84 per cent expressed concern over Council’s financial management.
Many residents and media outlets have pointed to the controversial North Sydney Olympic Pool redevelopment—which has suffered major budget blowouts and plunged Council into debt—as a key driver. While locals link the two, Council maintains the hike is required to maintain broader infrastructure and public facilities.
New Fees for Weddings, Picnics, and Dog Walkers
Adding to local frustrations, Council is also considering introducing fees for organised and commercial activities in public parks.
This draft policy targets weddings, commercial picnics, fitness groups, school activities, and commercial dog-walking. Small, informal gatherings of fewer than 21 people will remain free and will not require a booking.
Cremorne Point Reserve in Highest Fee Bracket
For Cremorne locals, the park proposal hits particularly close to home. Cremorne Point Reserve has been slapped with a “premium location” tag, placing it in the highest fee category alongside Blues Point Reserve.
Under the draft framework, booking a larger organised event at Cremorne Point could cost up to $2,000 for a three-hour slot. Council says the fees are necessary to manage high demand and fund park maintenance.
The coming weeks are critical for North Sydney ratepayers. Councillors are expected to make a final decision on both the rate hike and the park fee structure soon, with the park policy potentially taking effect from 1 July.
Published 9-June-2026
