NSW · Southern Tablelands (Capital region) · Local council, made simple
Yass Valley Council
A large rural council on the Southern Tablelands, in the Canberra commuter belt — around 17,600 people across the town of Yass and villages like Murrumbateman, Sutton, Gundaroo, Binalong and Bowning, in the wine country north of the ACT. The council runs the local services you use every week — water and sewer, waste, roads, 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 peg: 4.1%
Open →Budget & financesHow financially healthy the council is, measured against official benchmarks.
Meets 3 of 9 OLG financial benchmarks
Open →Crime & safetyYass Valley's recorded crime rates, side by side with the NSW average.
All but one major offence below the NSW rate
Open →Mayor & councillorsWho represents you — and where to read their official profiles.
Mayor: Jasmin Jones (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) 6226 1477
Open →City profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is.
Population: ~17,600 (2023–24)
Open →What's happening
3 updatesRecent items from Yass Valley Council's public channels, in plain language.
- Policy
Councillors vote not to pursue a Special Rate Variation
At a 12 November 2025 meeting, councillors voted against seeking community feedback on a Special Rate Variation; staff had put forward options ranging up to a cumulative ~58.7% increase over three years to address the council's operating deficit.
What this means for you: Rates will not rise above the standard IPART peg through a special variation for now; the council has said the decision means finding around $3.5 million a year in savings, which it has flagged could affect service levels.
Source: The Southern Wire — Councillors reject Special Rate Variation
- Policy
New waste transfer site fees from 1 July 2025
Updated disposal fees took effect at Yass Valley's waste transfer sites (including Yass and Murrumbateman) from 1 July 2025; each rateable property still receives two annual waste vouchers for free drop-off up to about 600 kg.
What this means for you: If you take waste or green material to a transfer station beyond your two free vouchers, the charges changed from 1 July 2025 — check current fees before you go.
- Policy
Delivery Program 2025–2029 adopted
The council adopted its Delivery Program 2025–2029 and 2025–26 Operational Plan, setting priorities including water security (the Yass–Murrumbateman pipeline), sewerage upgrades and financial sustainability.
What this means for you: This is the elected council's four-year plan of what it intends to deliver; the linked document sets out the projects and budget behind your rates.
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