More than $15 million is outstanding in QPRC rates and charges, according to a new report. Photo: Kazuri Photography.
Queanbeyan Council has adopted the terms of reference for an investigation into what its future rates could look like.
At a recent meeting, Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council (QPRC) unanimously voted to seek community feedback on equity in its rates, as well as proposals around sub-categories and base and ad valorem rates.
Councillor Bryce Wilson said the new panel was an important chance to hear from community members about how their rates were calculated.
“We’ve been through that journey [about how much people’s rates are], and we’ve worked hard with the community to get through that journey and turn that corner,” he said.
“We’re not opening that up. We’re talking about the structures and the sub-categories.”
Cr Katrina Willis noted any changes would come in after a three-year rates increase wrapped up, saying this meant there would be “no surprises for anyone” during that time.
(In 2023, the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal gave the green light for a rate hike of 64.3 per cent over three years.)
She also suggested a “more progressive” approach to the base rate.
“My personal view is that this process should provide an opportunity to consider whether that complexity is actually warranted … Noting that we do need to raise enough money to provide all the things that people need, as well as some of the things that people want.”
The unanimous motion means QPRC will invite people to join its Rates Structure Review Community Reference Panel over the coming months.
According to the terms of reference, included in council documents, the panel will meet up to three times in early 2026.
It will comprise about 10 members, ideally covering business and residential ratepayers, as well as people living in town and in rural areas.
“Members can choose to be anonymous,” the documents state.
During the meeting, councillors also received a report on the council’s debt management processes.
It states QPRC charged $125 million in rates and annual charges, as at July 2025, through quarterly instalment notices.
QPRC also approved 165 applications for financial hardship relief, for an average of $4326, across people’s rates and annual charges and water bills.
There are also 1536 payment plans in place, covering about $6,750,000 (comprising current and overdue amounts).
Councillors also heard that while some ratepayers pay the full amount (rather than in quarterly instalments), the exact number varied from year to year.
The report also notes that, as at 30 September, 67.4 per cent remains outstanding, which Cr Wilson called the “critical figure” in the report.
“You can see there was some growth in the 2023/24 space [for that time of year], and we’re slowly tracking down.
“I think we’ll be very interested at 30 June — that’s when we really get to see the outstanding [amount].”
In the 2023/24 financial year, it was 70.9 per cent, which decreased to 67.7 per cent and 67.4 per cent in the following years.
The community panel is expected to provide a report to QPRC by 25 March, 2026, before the council carries out community consultation later that year on any proposals.
The release of the panel’s terms of reference follows the sale of 24 properties over unpaid rates, with the auctions later revealed to have cost the council almost $130,000.
A May auction attracted 87 registered bidders, and all properties were sold.
If this story has raised any issues for you, you can call Lifeline’s 24-hour crisis support line on 13 11 14. In an emergency, call triple zero.
Anyone experiencing financial hardship can contact Queanbeyan Council on 1300 735 025 or complete an assistance application online.
