NSW · South Coast (Sapphire Coast) · Local council, made simple
Bega Valley Shire Council
The state's south-easternmost shire — around 36,600 people spread along the Sapphire Coast from Bermagui and Cobargo down through Bega (the council seat) to Merimbula and Eden. Dairy (Bega cheese) country and a coastal-tourism economy, still recovering from the 2019–20 Black Summer bushfires, the council runs the local services you use every week — waste, roads, water, libraries, parks, development — and sets your rates. Here's the snapshot, then the stuff that affects your week.
Everyday essentials
The things people actually need from the council — fast.
Get to know your council
The basics, in one tap — open any card for key facts and a link to the official source.
This year's rate rise, how it compares across NSW, and why bills differ.
2025–26 rate rise: 4.9% (rate peg)
Open →Budget & financesHow financially healthy the council is, measured against official benchmarks.
Meets 7 of 9 OLG financial benchmarks
Open →Crime & safetyBega Valley's recorded crime rates, side by side with the NSW average.
All 12 major offences below the NSW rate
Open →Mayor & councillorsWho represents you — and where to read their official profiles.
Mayor: Russell Fitzpatrick (Independent)
Open →Elections & votingWhen the next council election is, and how voting works.
Next election: Sat 9 Sep 2028
Open →Contact & servicesHow to reach the council and report a problem.
Customer service: (02) 6499 2222
Open →Shire profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is.
Population: ~36,600 (2023–24)
Open →What's happening
3 updatesRecent items from Bega Valley Shire Council's public channels, in plain language.
- Development
Merimbula sewage treatment upgrade & ocean outfall on public exhibition
The Preferred Infrastructure Report for the Merimbula Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade and Ocean Outfall project went on public exhibition in June 2026, as the State Significant Infrastructure assessment nears its final stages before the NSW Planning Minister's determination.
What this means for you: If you live in or around Merimbula, this is a major long-term water/sewer project; the exhibition period is a chance to read the plans and make a submission before the NSW Government decides whether it proceeds.
- Policy
Council adopts 4.9% rate rise and four-year plans for 2025–26
On 23 June 2025 Bega Valley councillors voted to lift general rates by 4.9% for 2025–26 — the maximum allowed under IPART's rate peg — with no special rate variation, and adopted the accompanying Delivery Program, Operational Plan and budget.
What this means for you: General rates income rose by 4.9% for the year; how your own bill changed also depends on your land value at the latest revaluation, and separate charges for waste, water and sewer are set independently of the rate peg.
Source: Eden Magnet — Bega Valley rates to rise by 4.9% in July
- Have your say
Council adopts lower-cost 'Option C' financial pathway, flags future rate options
After consulting the community on its Long Term Financial Plan, the council adopted the lower-cost 'Option C' pathway — staying within the rate peg for now rather than a new special rate variation — while flagging that a further rate rise may need to be considered in the years ahead.
What this means for you: For now, rate rises are limited to IPART's rate peg rather than an additional special variation; the council has signalled that future rate options may return for community input, so it's worth watching the consultations below.
Source: About Regional — Bega Valley rate rise locked in as submissions close on future options
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