policy
Wollongong Rates Rebate Scheme Delivers Direct Relief to Illawarra Household Budgets
Eligible Wollongong ratepayers can receive up to $250 off annual council rates under the 2026-27 budget measure focused on cost-of-living pressures.
How we reported this
The Wollongong City Council adopted a rates rebate scheme as part of its 2026-27 budget passed on 23 June 2026, applying to residential properties in the local government area including Warrawong, Port Kembla and Dapto.
The measure responds to sustained cost pressures on households from the Port Kembla renewable energy zone development and changes in the BlueScope steel operations at Port Kembla, both of which feature in the Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Plan 2041.
Effect on Local Household Costs
A household paying the median residential rate of $2,180 in the Wollongong local government area stands to receive a rebate of between $150 and $250 if it meets income and property criteria set out in the council's rates and charges policy. The rebate applies as a credit on the first rates notice issued after 1 August 2026.
Residents in the five priority suburbs identified in the council budget papers, which include areas with higher proportions of renters transitioning to ownership, can use the reduction to offset other expenses such as energy bills or transport costs linked to the regional development zone.
Budget Figures and Rollout
Council budget papers allocate $1.2 million to the scheme, projected to assist approximately 5,000 eligible properties based on 2025-26 ratepayer data. Applications open on 15 July 2026 through the council's online portal or at the Wollongong administration centre.
Property owners must submit income statements and rate notices by 30 September 2026 to receive the credit in the current financial year. The scheme operates for one year with a review scheduled for the 2027-28 budget cycle.