Council
29 May, 2026
Rates pressure grows: Fee, charge rises largely out of council hands
Council fees and charges for the coming financial year in the Horsham municipality have been set, but not without councillors first picturing themselves in ratepayers' shoes.
At the Horsham Rural City Council's monthly meeting on May 25, the council adopted the new schedule as presented by its staff. Cr Rebecca Sluggett said she could understand both sides of the equation.
"As a mum and someone who's regularly not attended events or certain public spaces because my personal home budget is at times stretched, it hurts raising the cost of the fees and charges, to increase them at all," she said.
"However, as a councillor who has a duty to ensure the financial sustainability of this council to protect our ability to continue delivering services and places for our community, I realise it is vital that we keep up with the inflating costs of delivery while also ensuring that as a council we are looking at where and how we can make savings within the budget."
Cr Sluggett noted that "many of the fees and charges are influenced by statutory rates set out by the state government - for example, animal registrations have increased due to that".
She closed with a message of thanks to the members of the Horsham Regional Livestock Exchange board "who have recognised it's essential to increase the cost of yard dues in the saleyards".
The board presented feedback to the council after a draft of the proposed fees and charges was released for community consultation in March, resulting in the two parties agreeing on an amendment and correction.
"This can't have been an easy decision, but I think it's one in order to try to keep our saleyards financially viable for the council so that we can ensure all producers, no matter their size, have access to the livestock market locally," Cr Sluggett said.
Cr Ian Ross also spoke empathetically on behalf of residents.
"There are some concerns at times about the cost of permits for upgraded septics," Cr Ross said.
"The cost is so high that people are trying to do them without people knowing.
"Also, for a swimming pool, for a pensioner, a grandmother or a grandfather, it becomes too expensive.
"It would be good if we could offer more of a family discount."
Cr Ross said he accepted that "it is what it is for this year" but added a request that his fellow councillors and council officers "please be mindful of our people".
The council will now incorporate the adopted fees and charges into its 2026-27 budget calculations.
Read More: Horsham