Lake Macquarie Council rates 2026-27
OLG data uplifted by the IPART rate peg
The average residential rate in the Lake Macquarie Council area for 2026-27 is $1,763 a year, based on 2024-25 OLG data uplifted to the 2026-27 rate peg. That's 38% above the NSW median of $1,282.
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Where council rates sit in a typical Lake Macquarie Council running cost
Last updated July 2026 · source: Lake Macquarie Council revenue policy (OLG / IPART peg)
The 2026-27 average residential rate
This is an average across every residential property in the Lake Macquarie Council area, not a fixed charge. Individual bills track land value, so a house on a larger or more valuable block pays more than $1,763 and a unit usually pays less. The IPART peg caps how much a council can raise in total rates income, not what any single property pays.
How Lake Macquarie Council compares to nearby councils
| Council | Residential rate | vs Lake Macquarie Council |
|---|---|---|
| Port Stephens Council | $1,415 | $-348 |
| Cessnock Council | $1,458 | $-305 |
| Lake Macquarie Council (this council) | $1,763 | n/a |
| Newcastle Council | $1,858 | +$95 |
| Maitland Council | $1,970 | +$207 |
Across NSW, the median average residential rate is $1,282. Lake Macquarie Council is 38% above the NSW median of $1,282. These are average rates reported to the NSW Office of Local Government, uplifted by each council's IPART rate peg. Individual properties pay more or less depending on land value.
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Suburbs in the Lake Macquarie Council area
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Frequently asked questions
What is the average council rate in Lake Macquarie Council for 2026-27?
The average residential rate for a home in the Lake Macquarie Council area is $1,763 a year for 2026-27. It's the OLG-reported average residential rate for the council, uplifted by its IPART rate peg. Individual properties pay more or less depending on land value.
How do Lake Macquarie Council rates compare to nearby councils?
Lake Macquarie Council's average residential rate of $1,763 is 38% above the NSW median of $1,282. Nearby, Newcastle Council charges $1,858 and Cessnock Council charges $1,458.
Why does SuburbCost show an average rate for NSW councils?
NSW councils don't publish a single minimum rate the way Queensland councils do. Instead we use the average residential rate each council reports to the NSW Office of Local Government, uplifted by that council's IPART rate peg for 2026-27.
Rates change every July
Get Lake Macquarie Council's updated rate and see how it compares when the 2027-28 figures land. One email a year, no spam.
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