Council’s proposed Rating Structure for the 2026/27 financial year was endorsed at the 23 June 2026 meeting, and I’m pleased to say we’re staying true to our commitment to keep rates as low as possible for all residents. The total change of 5.1 percent (made up of a 3 percent rate rise plus a 2.1 growth component to factor in our rapidly expanding population) is broadly in line with inflation and keeps us with one of the lowest rates in the North Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils, and Sydney more broadly. Our strict adherence to financial sustainability means that we compare favourably to some other metropolitan councils whose residents are facing challenging double-digit rate increases as high as 52 percent to pay for infrastructure cost blowouts. And this year we are introducing a new level of transparency, with rate notices to include a Rate Variance Explanation Note covering the key factors contributing to changes in rates.
I’m thrilled to report that the After-Hours Access trial at Eastwood Library is proving to be a wonderful success. Figures collated at the three-month mark of this 12-month trial allowing 24/7 access to one of our most popular libraries show there are 365 registered users, with 49.6 percent being Eastwood residents, 37 percent other City of Ryde residents and the remaining 13.4 percent non-residents who work or study here. The service has been especially popular with the 17-24 age group, who are most likely to be high school and university students. Other key user groups include daytime workers (25 percent of respondents) and parents (18 percent), who are a high proportion of visitors during the day on weekends. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with 99 percent of respondents either satisfied or very satisfied with the overall experience. For more details and to register for an After-Hours Library Access induction course for Eastwood Library, click here.
Winter school holidays take place from 6-17 July and, as usual, Council has a fantastic range of both educational and physical activities to keep the kids entertained. Our libraries program is themed around Big Adventures Little Heroes, which includes some thrilling superhero-themed events. Meanwhile, our Active Kids and Active Youth programs offer exposure to some thrilling sporting activities ranging from handball workshops, to cycle skills improvement workshops, and Street Hockey experiences. For more details on school holidays, click here.
Sincerely, Trenton Brown – Mayor