Region. Special rate variations aproved

The Minister for Local Government, Barbara Perry, has approved special rate variation applications by three local government authorities in Western Sydney, for the 2010-11 financial year. The variations are: Camden 4.5 per cent, Blue Mountains 4.4 per cent and Parramatta 4.9 per cent. Campbelltown withdrew its application. “Applications also had to show a strong business case showing the need for the increase,” the minister said. A special rate variation allows councils to lift their rates above the rate peg of 2.6 per cent in order to fund a specific project.