Below is a description of the different types of rates and charges that may be included on your Rate Notice.

Ordinary Rates

All rateable land is liable for an Ordinary Rate. The type of Ordinary Rate depends on the rating category (or sub-category) applied to your property.

For Residential and Farmland Categories - the Ordinary Rate is calculated in two parts – the Base Amount, which is the same for everyone, and the Ad Valorem amount, using a rate per dollar multiplied by the property’s land valuation.  

For Business Categories (or sub-category) - The Ordinary Rate is calculated using a rate per dollar multiplied by the property’s land valuation (a minimum applies).

Special Rate - Environmental

This special rate applies to all rateable land.  The rate is calculated in two parts – the Base Amount, which is the same for everyone, and the Ad Valorem amount, using a rate per dollar multiplied by the property’s land valuation. 

The Environmental Rate provides funding for environmental projects.  

The determination of projects is based on the assessment of public and council submissions by an advisory committee of Council which includes members of the community. 

For further information on Council’s Environmental Levy Program (along with other projects and activities to be undertaken by Council in 2011/2012) please see Council’s 2011-2012 Operational Plan. 

Sewer Access Charge (Residential)

This charge applies to all land (including vacant land) that is within 75 metres of a sewerage main and able to be connected to Council’s sewerage system (whether connected or not). 

Residential Sewer Access (Annual) Charges for occupied land are based on the number of occupations on the property. 

Where a property includes a house with a ‘Granny Flat’ (i.e. 2 occupations) used for the accommodation of family or visitors, consideration may be given to reducing the charge. 

Please contact Council’s Rate Section on (02) 6648 4444 to apply for this reduction.

Sewer Access Charges (Non-Residential)

This charge applies to all land (including vacant land) that is within 75 metres of a sewerage main and able to be connected to Council’s sewerage system (whether connected or not).

Non-Residential Sewer Access (Annual) Charges are calculated using the following components:

• The number and size of water meters servicing the property
• The Sewer Discharge Factor (SDF) allocated to these meters 

The SDF, in simple terms, is a percentage of your water usage deemed to be discharged into the sewerage system.

Water Access Charges (Residential)

This charge applies to all land (including vacant land) that is within 225 metres of a water main and able to be connected (whether connected or not). 

Residential Water Access (Annual) Charges for occupied land are based on the number of occupations at the property. 

Water Access Charge (Non-Residential)

This charge applies to all land (including vacant land) that is within 225 metres of a water main and able to be connected (whether connected or not). 

For non-residential properties the charge is based on the number and size of water services at the property.

Waste Management Charges

Waste charges apply to properties serviced by the kerbside collection service or, in the case of vacant land, if the property is able to be serviced.  

Charges are generally calculated on the number of 3-bin or 2-bin services provided to the property. 

Non-Residential premises are charged a minimum of one waste charge for each premise. 

If the property is vacant land you are charged an annual vacant charge until a service is commenced. 

Effluent Charges

This charge applies to properties that are subject to effluent pump-out by Council’s licensed Contractor.  

Additional charges (billed by the Contractor) apply for actual effluent removed.  

The annual charge is calculated on the number of pump-out outlets at the property. 

Onsite Sewage Management Fees

Apply to properties where onsite sewage management systems are installed.  The fee is calculated on the number of systems multiplied by the unit price.  Unit prices vary depending on whether the system has been deemed high, medium or low risk.

Trade Waste Annual Charges

This charge applies to properties that discharge trade waste into the sewerage system.

The annual charge is calculated on the number of trade waste generators at the property. 

Stormwater Management Charge

This charge applies to properties that are situated within Council’s stormwater catchment areas.  

Residential properties pay a flat annual charge while non-residential properties pay an annual charge based on land area.

Further Information

For further information on Council’s rating structure for 2011/2012 please see the Statement of Revenue Policy in our 2011-2012 Operational Plan.