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Rates Information
- What are rates used for?
Council Rates are used to provide many community services. Some of these works and services include the following - roadworks and footpaths; parks and reserves; car parks; libraries; drainage; street lighting; community buildings; animal control; public amenities such as toilets, showers and barbecues; building regulations; and restaurant health inspections. - What are waste charges used for?
The Domestic Waste Management Charge is used to provide the weekly kerbside collection and disposal of household waste; the collection of recyclable waste; vegetation clean ups; general and whitegood clean ups. A lower charge is levied on vacant land, which contributes to the fixed costs of the waste service. - When are Rates due for payment?
Rates are calculated once each financial year, with a Rates and Charges Notice posted in July. Rates can be paid either in full by 31 August, or in four instalments due 31 August, 30 November, 28 February and 31 May. If you elect to pay by instalments, Council will send you a reminder Notice prior to each due date. - What happens if Rates are not paid by the due date?
Council is required by law to charge interest on Rates that become overdue. Council reviews the rate of interest each year. Council staff will make an effort to contact owners who have overdue Rates in order to avoid the necessity for further recovery action. - Are there alternative arrangements for payment?
Sometimes circumstances beyond your control make it difficult to pay Rates when they become due. You are encouraged to contact Council in order to discuss a suitable arrangement for payment of the Rates. - Who pays Rates when a property is sold?
When a property is sold, the seller and purchaser negotiate (generally through a solicitor) the payment of the annual Rates and charges. Council's only involvement in the process is (1) to provide details of the Rates owing, in order for the solicitors to calculate the amount payable by both parties; and (2) to record the new owners' name and address, once advised by the Land Titles Office. - Are there different types of rates?
Council must categorise properties for Rating purposes based on the usage of the property. There are four types of categories - Residential, Business, Farmland and Mining. Council charges a higher rate on Business land (as owners can claim these Rates as a tax deduction).
Some properties are exempt from payment of Rates, such as churches, schools, hospitals and some charities. - Parking Permits
Council issues two parking permits to each rateable property with their rates notices every financial year. Each resident can also purchase up to an additional three permits at the resident permit price (see Parking Permit related link below for more information). They are valid from 1st September until 31 August of each year. If you have purchased a property after July, parking permits can be obtained from Customer Service free of charge providing Council is satisfied you own the property (you will need to provide copies of legal documentation) and your rates have been paid along with completing a statutory declaration and provision of vehicle registration numbers. - Advise a change of address for Rates Notices
Owners are required to advise Council when they change their postal address. This ensures our records are up to date so that you are advised of your Council Rates and of any other information sent by Council.
Advise a change of address for Rates Notices