Rates

Following adoption of its annual Budget at the beginning of each financial year, Council issues rate assessment notices. This is an account for your annual rates, but also provides information about the property values used to calculate the rates on your property. Income from rates allows Council to proceed with works approved in the Budget.

A ratepayer may elect to pay rates in full, in two installments, or in four installments by simply completing the appropriate section on the notice and submitting that with the first installment payment.

Payment in full or the first installment must be paid within 35 days of the issue of the rate notice.

A late payment interest (11%pa calculated daily) charge will apply to any amount that is overdue thirty-six days after the rate notice is issued. Installment Administration Fees and interest charges are applicable to ratepayers who elect to use the installment plan. The fee is incurred to cover the cost of additional work in administering the installment plan.

Formal procedures for collection of unpaid rates, including prosecution where necessary, apply where ratepayers do not meet their obligations.

Valuations

Valuations of properties within the Shire have been supplied by the Valuer General which is the responsibility of the State Government. The Shire has no say in how your property is valued.

An objection against a valuation must be lodged with the Valuer General or at the Shire Offices within 42 days of receiving a Rate Assessment Notice. The lodgement of an objection does not alter the obligation to pay the full amount of rates by the date specified in the assessment notice.

Pensioner's Rates Subsidy

Eligible pensioners who wish to avail themselves of the Government's rate rebate scheme must pay the required portion of the rates within the particular year for which the rates were levied. The Government will pay the balance of the rates to the Council. Please note that Council’s Rubbish Charge is not subject to the rebate and must be paid in full.

When claiming the rebate, Pensioners are required by the Government to present their current Pensioner Concession Card. Pensioners who do not wish to take advantage of the rebate may still continue to defer payment of rates as in the past.

Those people who think they may be eligible should contact the Revenue Clerk as soon as possible for full details.