NSW · South West Slopes · Local council, made simple
Hilltops Council
A large rural council in the South West Slopes of NSW — around 19,300 people across Young (the 'Cherry Capital of Australia'), Boorowa, Harden-Murrumburrah and a scatter of villages, formed in 2016 from the merger of the Young, Boorowa and Harden councils. The council runs the local services you use every week — waste, water and sewer, roads, libraries, parks — 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 3 of 9 OLG financial benchmarks
Open →Crime & safetyHilltops' recorded crime rates, side by side with the NSW average.
8 of 12 major offences below the NSW rate
Open →Mayor & councillorsWho represents you — and where to read their official profiles.
Mayor: Brian Ingram (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: 1300 445 586
Open →Region profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is.
Population: ~19,300 (2023–24)
Open →What's happening
3 updatesRecent items from Hilltops Council's public channels, in plain language.
- Policy
Council adopts budget without a special rate variation, reviews efficiencies
Hilltops Council adopted its Operational Plan and Revenue Policy without proposing a special rate variation, and instead began a review of operational efficiencies — including reducing contractor and consultant use and better managing plant and fleet — to address a structural budget deficit.
What this means for you: Rates won't rise beyond the IPART rate peg this year, but the council has flagged that some services may be affected as it works to balance its budget; the linked reporting sets out the trade-offs councillors discussed.
Source: Young Witness — Rates or reduced services? Hilltops faces budget trade-off
- Policy
Digital water monitoring coming to the Hilltops region
The council announced it is introducing digital water-meter monitoring technology across the Hilltops region as part of its water and sewer management.
What this means for you: Over time, digital meters can give the council and residents better visibility of water use and leaks; check the council's news page for the rollout timing in your town.
Source: Hilltops Council — News
- Have your say
Have your say on the future of Hilltops tourism
The council's Destination and Economy team invited business owners and community groups to help shape the future of local tourism across the Hilltops region.
What this means for you: If you run a business or community group in the region, this is an open consultation where your input can feed into the council's tourism planning; see the link for how to take part.
Source: Hilltops Council — Have Your Say
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