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APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL VARIATION TO GENERAL INCOME
2005 - 2006
(Section 508(2) <strong>of</strong> the Local Government Act 1993)
FORM SV1
Councils must complete all sections <strong>of</strong> this application and return it <strong>to</strong> the Department <strong>of</strong> Local
Government, attention Finance Management Branch as soon as possible. Incomplete forms will cause
delay in consideration. If there is insufficient space please attach additional detail(s).
1. COUNCIL NAME: Ku-ring-gai Council
2. CONTACT OFFICER: John McKee
3. TELEPHONE No: (02) 9424-0702 4. FAX No: (02) 9424-0870
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VARIATION:
Briefly descri<strong>be</strong> the variation sought stating purpose <strong>of</strong> the application (ie. why <strong>council</strong> needs
the additional revenue).
Council’s decision <strong>to</strong> support an application for a special rate variation is <strong>to</strong> enable the
implementation <strong>of</strong> a range <strong>of</strong> environmental programmes. These have <strong>be</strong>en identified in the
2004/08 Management Plan and are consistent with a num<strong>be</strong>r <strong>of</strong> key regional strategies including the
Catchment Blue Prints for Sydney Harbour and the Lower Hawkesbury/Nepean, the Hornsby Kuring-gai
District Fire Management Plan and the Metropolitan Water Plan.
A 5 percent Special Rate Variation is proposed within the 2005/09 Management Plan commencing
in 2005/06 financial year for seven years. This will provide $1.76 million in the first year
representing 2.5 per cent <strong>of</strong> the expected revenue for Council in the 2005/06 budget and rise <strong>to</strong>
$2.16 million by 2011/12.
The special rate variation will provide the necessary income <strong>to</strong> build additional social,
environmental and financial capital. Specifically, it will improve the condition <strong>of</strong> bushland,
waterways and parks, increase opportunities for recreation, help protect against flooding and fire
and involve the community in decision making and onground works.
The key drivers for a special rate variation are:
Financial
1. Rising costs <strong>to</strong> maintain Council assets <strong>to</strong> meet community needs and safety standards. These
assets include buildings, infrastructure and recreation facilities;
2. Increasing employment costs that are rising above rate pegging thresholds;
3. Increasing insurance costs and associated workers compensation;
4. Continuing commitment <strong>to</strong> reducing Council’s level <strong>of</strong> debt.
Environmental
1. Increasing responsibilities associated <strong>to</strong> manage the recovery <strong>of</strong> threatened species and
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