Rates
Rates are issued every financial year and are due and payable within 35 days of the issue date of the rate notice.
Pay Rates Online
To pay your rates electronically, click here.
For more information, please call the BPoint Customer Hotline on 1300 276 468.
Rates Instalment Scheme
The following payment options are now available to ratepayers, provided that all arrears have been paid in full:
- Option 1 - Payment in full by the due date.
- Option 2 - Two instalments.
- Option 3 - Four instalments.
Ratepayers who wish to be entered into the "Early Rates" prize draw must pay their rates in full by the due date in order to be eligible. The final payment date for inclusion in the competition will be shown on the rate notice.
There will be an instalment charge applicable to Options 2 and 3. The additional amount will be detailed on your rate notice and will be incorporated into the instalment payments.
*Instalment scheme attracts a 5.5% per annum charge plus a $5 per instalment administration fee.
Should you wish to make alternative arrangements other than the options detailed on the rate notice, contact the Rates Department immediately on (08) 9927 0000.
Ratepayers must elect to use one of these options otherwise an interest charge of 11% per annum (calculated daily) will apply on all rates outstanding after 35 days from issue of the Rate Notice. If these payment methods are not an option, please contact the Council's Rates Officer to discuss alternative arrangements.
Pensioners
Eligible Pensioners are entitled to receive a discount on their rates. Council shall determine the nature and extent of entitlement from details as at 1 July, in relation to ownership and occupation. Aso a pro-rata rebate amount will be paid if a person becomes the holder of an eligible card type during the financial year which is effective from the date of registration. A deferral arrangement is also possible.
For further information regarding pensioner rates concessions, please contact Council's Rates Department on (08) 9927 0000.
Interim Rates
Some ratepayers may receive amended rate accounts during the year where the Valuer-General considers the Gross Rental Value of their property has changed. The Gross Rental Value (GRV) is the annual amount that the owner could obtain from rental of the property, and is assessed by the Valuer-General.
The GRV is used as the base upon which rates are levied and values are generally reviewed every 5 years. Any alteration to the property could result in an amendment to the valuation.
Penalty Interest
An interest charge of 11.0% per annum calculated daily will be added to all rates outstanding for a period greater than 35 days from the date of issue. Interest is not charged to entitled and registered pensioners.
Rating Levels 2012/2013
Council's rates income is used in the provision of facilities and services for the community, with the following rating levels applicable for the 2012/2013year.
Townsite Land
Gross Rental Value
From 1 July 2012 all land within the Gross Rental Value area is rated using the general rate.
Object: Townsite Land within the Shire is rated using the same rate in the dollar. It is levied after the consideration of many factors such as prevailing economic conditions, increases to land valuations as assessed by the Valuer General's Office, the works and asset development proposals contained in the Budget, and a variety of other factors.
Townsite Rate Structure
| Category | Rate in Cents | Minimum Rate |
|---|
| General GRV Rate |
9.072 |
$782 |
Rural Land
Unimproved Value
At present, all rural land within the Shire is rated using the same rate in the dollar.
Rural Land Rate Structure
| Category | Rate in Cents | Minimum Rate |
|---|
| Mining Improved |
15.00 |
$782 |
| Mining Undeveloped |
14.95 |
$782 |
| Policy Areas A to G |
0.7884 |
$782 |
POLICY AREA A - CONSERVATION & CROWN LAND
To preserve and protect the major areas of Crown Reservations and Vacant Land within this policy area in its natural state.
POLICY AREA B -URBAN
Set aside for Towsite expansion or impacted on by buffers and mining leases.
POLICY AREA C - GENERAL FARMING ZONE
General Broadacre farming, not suitable for subdivision, designed to consolidate and preserve existing agricultural practices.
POLICY AREA D - RURAL SMALLHOLDINGS ZONE
Hobby farming suitable for subdivision into rura/small holdings to a minimum of 15ha.
POLICY AREA E - GENERAL FARMING ZONE
Coastal management area for future develoment of tourist projects and possible subdivision into rural smallholdings to a minimum lot size of 15ha.
POLICY AREA F - SPECIAL RESIDENTIAL ZONE
Properties zoned as Special Residential with provision for subdivision of small 1 to 2 ha lifestyle lots.
POLICY AREA G - RURAL SMALL HOLDINGS ZONE
Hobby farming suitable for subdivision into rural/small holdings to a minimum of 20ha.
Minimum Rates
The minimum rates of $782 for all properties are set at a level to ensure that affected property owners contribute an equitable and realistic level of rates to the maintenance of services provided by the Shire.
Objections And Appeals
Objection to Valuation
Objections must be lodged with the Valuer General's Office within 60 days after issue of the rates notice. Rates are still required to be paid if an objection is lodged with a refund paid if the objection is successful. Forms are available from the Shire Office.
Objection to Rates Assessment
Under the provisions of the Local Government Act 1995, a property owner is able to lodge an objection to the rates imposed by a Council on the following grounds:
- There is an error on the rate assessment, either in respect to the owners or property details;
- The characteristics of the land differ from that used in the differential rating system.
The objection is to be received within 60 days of the issue of the rate notice. Please contact the Shire Staff if you would like to discuss this matter further.