NSW · Southern Sydney (St George) · Local council, made simple
Georges River Council
A merged council in Sydney's St George district, formed in 2016 from Hurstville and Kogarah — around 161,600 people across suburbs from Hurstville and Kogarah to Oatley, Mortdale and Peakhurst, bounded by the Georges River. The council runs the local services you use every week — waste, roads, parks, libraries, 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 peg: 4.4%
Open →Budget & financesHow financially healthy the council is, measured against official benchmarks.
Meets 7 of 9 OLG financial benchmarks
Open →Crime & safetyGeorges River's recorded crime rates, side by side with the NSW average.
11 of 12 major offences below the NSW rate
Open →Mayor & councillorsWho represents you, by ward — and where to read their official profiles.
Mayor: Elise Borg (GRRRP)
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) 9330 6400
Open →City profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is.
Population: ~161,600 (2024)
Open →What's happening
3 updatesRecent items from Georges River Council's public channels, in plain language.
- Event
National Tree Day and native plant giveaway
Council is inviting residents to a National Tree Day event on 26 July 2026, including a free native plant giveaway.
What this means for you: A free community event if you want to pick up native plants for your garden and take part in local tree planting.
Source: Georges River Council — Media
- Have your say
Have your say on the new Hogben Park Landscape Master Plan
Council has begun work on a new Landscape Master Plan for Hogben Park in Kogarah — the first update since 2010 — covering play and recreation areas, accessibility, lighting and whether to add a fenced off-leash dog area. Consultation closes 29 July 2026.
What this means for you: If you use Hogben Park, this is your chance to have a say on how it's redesigned before the plan is finalised.
Source: Georges River Council — Media
- Policy
Community Grants and Micro Grants 2026–27 Round 1 now open
Round 1 of the council's 2026–27 Community Grants and Micro Grants program opened for applications from 6 July to 14 August 2026.
What this means for you: Local community groups and not-for-profits can apply for council funding for local projects and events.
Source: Georges River Council — Media
Get the important stuff, automatically
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