Richmond Valley Council and Byron Shire Council have had their applications for a rate increase beyond the pegged allowance of 2.8 per cent for 2011-12 rejected.
The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal turned down Richmond Valley Council’s request to lift rates by close to six per cent and Byron Shire Council’s application to raise rates by five point three three per cent.
Both councils say the hikes were needed to cover growing infrastructure bills and this week’s ruling means some projects will have to be put on hold.
Residents had argued they couldn’t afford the increases.
