Paddington Residents Vote on Council Rate Changes for Parks, Libraries

The Local Amenities Funding Referendum asks Paddington Bne voters to approve a 0.4 percent rise in council rates that would generate dedicated revenue for park upkeep and library operating hours. Passage would require the council to allocate the proceeds under a formula set out in the 2026 rates ordinance, with 60 percent directed to grounds contracts and 40 percent to branch staffing schedules.

The measure reaches the ballot after the council recorded a $1.8 million shortfall in the 2025-26 parks and libraries line item, according to the published budget papers. That gap widened when maintenance contracts for three central parks came up for renewal at higher unit costs than the prior three-year agreements.

Effects on property categories

Owner-occupiers of single-family homes in wards 3 and 5 would face an average additional $47 on their annual rates notice if the measure passes. Multi-unit rental buildings would see the increase passed through in lease renewals under existing tenancy rules, raising monthly rents by an estimated $4 to $6 for one-bedroom units. Commercial properties along the main retail strip would pay an extra $112 per storefront, with the cost reflected in the next business rates cycle.

Households in the northern wards, where two libraries operate on reduced Saturday schedules, stand to gain extended opening hours under the staffing allocation. Southern wards without a library branch would receive no direct service expansion from the library portion of the funds, though their parks would qualify for the grounds contract share.

Next steps after the vote

Ballots will be mailed to registered electors on 12 August and counted on 2 September. If approved, the rate adjustment takes effect on 1 January 2027 and remains in place for five years unless repealed by a subsequent referendum. The council treasurer must publish quarterly expenditure reports on the new accounts within 30 days of each quarter close.