FAQs

The Draft Delivery Program and Operational Plan details Council's commitment to delivering projects, initiatives, and services, along with the associated budget and funding sources. The Draft Delivery Program and Operational Plan is a four-part document which includes: 

• Draft Delivery Program 2025-2029 and Operational Plan 2026-2027

• Draft Budget 2026-2027

• Draft Infrastructure Delivery Program 2026-2027 – 2029-2030

• Draft Revenue Policy, Rates, Annual Charges and Fees 2026-2027

There are some exciting items in the Draft Infrastructure Delivery Program. These include:  

• Southern Suburbs Library & Community Centre
• Helensburgh Library & Community Centre
• Investment in new footpaths and shared paths to make accessible connections to schools, town centres, hospitals and public transport 
• Upgrades and investment in sportsfield lighting, playgrounds and sportsfield amenities 
• Major infrastructure works to improve access to areas around West Dapto, including construction of the West Dapto Road upgrade (stages 1 through to 5)
• Design and construction of two new skateparks in the Northern Suburbs and Wollongong City Centre
• Significant investment in flood and stormwater management
• Design and construction of the first stage of Darkes Town Centre Sporting and Community Hub 
• North Wollongong Seawall (Stage 2) 
• A range of upgrades and renewal works to community facilities including at Otford, Port Kembla and Wongawilli

Council collects rates to fund its services, maintain local roads, facilities, and public open spaces, including parks and gardens. 

While rates income remains the predominant source of income for Council, it is supplemented by user fees for services, statutory charges, grants and contributions and income from commercial endeavours. Council’s Draft Revenue Policy, Rates, Annual Charges and Fees 2026-2027 outlines those areas that Council receives income in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1993. 

The total amount of rates that can be collected by Council is set by Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).

For the financial year 2026‑2027, Council is proposing that our rates income is indexed by 3.9% in line with the IPART rate peg determined for Wollongong. 

Domestic Waste charges for a medium size bin (120 - 140 litre) will increase by $24/year to $545 (2025-2026 - $521.00). 

Stormwater Management charge is proposed to remain unchanged at $25 per property (Residential non strata).   

Proposed fees and other charges will generally increase by 4.7%.

Wollongong City Council has a Debt Recovery and Hardship Assistance Policy which provides a range of support actions for those in financial distress. To find out more, please visit Difficulty paying rates | City of Wollongong or contact us on 4227 7111.

The Draft Delivery Program and Operational Plan can be viewed on our engagement page, or at your local library. There are a few ways to give feedback on the draft plans including: 

• Complete the online feedback form

• Send an email to ourfuture@wollongong.nsw.gov.au

• Phone (02) 4227 7111

You can also talk with Council staff at any of the following events:

• Let's Talk Dapto - Thursday 30 April 4-6pm at Dapto Ribbonwood Centre
• Thirroul Pop Up - Friday 1 May 10am - 12pm at Thirroul Library forecourt
• Wollongong Pop Up - Friday 8 May 10am - 1pm at Friday Markets, Crown St Mall

Your submission is used by Council to assist in its decision-making processes. All feedback will be considered in the finalisation of the plans. All comments will be summarised and provided to Council with the final report.

Feedback will be accepted between 22 April - 19 May 2026.