Central Coast Council has been advised the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal’s (IPART) pricing determination for Council’s water and sewer rates for the next 12 months will be an increase of 5.5% including inflation.
Under IPART’s determination, bills for a typical household receiving water and wastewater services (based on 170 kilolitres of water usage per year) will increase by 5.5% (or $82) to $1,565 in 2026-27 including inflation (or 1.3% plus inflation). Bill impacts will depend on household type and household water use.
Council accepts IPART’s determination, although is disappointed with just a single-year determination. As previously advised, following more than 18 months of detailed work, IPART advised it would not proceed with a multi-year determination in June 2026. Instead, it would issue a 1-year pricing determination for the period 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027, with a further review to determine prices from 2027 onwards.
Council has expressed concern about the implications for the Central Coast community, noting a clear and timely determination provides customers with certainty and a more stable transition in pricing over time. Delays reduce that certainty for customers and may result in less consistent pricing outcomes in future years.
Central Coast Council Chief Executive Officer, David Farmer, said while IPART’s determination will mean less revenue for Council’s Water and Sewer business over the next year, Council’s financial robustness means that any deficit can be managed through funding reserves. “Council has a multi-million dollar planned works program focused on both upgrading and building new water and sewer infrastructure on the Central Coast to ensure reliability and sustainability for the community. We intend to continue with this commitment to community and are confident that through the sound financial management of Council, it can be delivered,” Mr Farmer said.
Editor’s Note: This determination does not include the Stormwater Drainage Charge. IPART has previously determined Central Coast Council will transfer the stormwater drainage charge through to general rates in full. From 1 July 2026, the stormwater drainage charge will no longer appear on water bills and will instead be included on general rates notices. The only change to the amount paid by affected ratepayers as a result of the transfer will be the 3.2% rate peg increase determined by IPART.
Central Coast Council Media Release
