Region. Rates pegged at 2.6 per cent

Councils in Western Sydney and across NSW will have their rate pegged at2.6 per cent for 2010/11. “The rate peg figure has been released earlier to allow councils more time to speak with their communities about their plans and projects for the coming year,” The Minister for Local Government, Barbara Perry, said. Councils can apply for an exemption allowing them to lift rates above the peg but they would have to have community support and a strong business case, The Local Government Association and the Shires Association said the rate peg of 2.6 per cent would not allow councils to cover costs.