local - 2026-06-05

Northern Beaches Ratepayers Carry NSW's Heaviest Emergency Services Levy as Mayor Calls for Reform

Mayor Sue Heins warns the $10.5 million annual levy — up 10.8% — is the highest in NSW and calls on the state government to overhaul its administration

Northern Beaches Council is set to pay $10.5 million in Emergency Services Levy contributions in the 2026/27 financial year — the highest of any council in New South Wales — with Mayor Sue Heins this week calling on the NSW Government to overhaul a funding model she says places an unfair and unpredictable burden on local ratepayers. In her weekly message to the community, published on Friday 5 June, Mayor Heins revealed the levy represents a $1 million increase — or 10.8 per cent — on the current year's contribution, and equates to approximately $100 per ratepayer annually. The Emergency Services Levy funds the operational costs of the NSW Rural Fire Service, State Emergency Service, and NSW Fire and Rescue — agencies Mayor Heins described as "incredibly important to the preparation, response and recovery of an increasing number of natural disasters and other emergencies." However, the Mayor raised serious concerns about the way the levy is administered, noting that councils are billed after their draft budgets have already been publicly exhibited — forcing last-minute financial adjustments with little opportunity for community consultation. "Every year the levy increases...