Rates & Charges - Overview
Rate revenue is a primary source of funding for the provision of Coffs Harbour services, facilities, programs, activities and capital works.
Rates are a property tax, based on the land value of the property. Councils levy an Ordinary (General) Rate that finances the majority of services.
In addition, Councils can levy a "charge" whereby the amount charged must relate to the service or benefit provided to the customer (i.e. Waste Charges).
- For an overview of the current ordinary rates, annual charges and usage charges, please refer to the Rates & Charges page.
Rating Categories
Your rating category is shown on your Rate Notice. The basis of rating categorisation is, in broad terms, according to DOMINANT use or where there is no use, then according to zoning. A rating category is purely for determining the rating basis. Categories DO NOT change zonings, or permitted use, or create subdivision entitlements. Details of the definition of each rating category (Residential, Farmland, Business or Mining), as prescribed under legislation, are available on request.
If you disagree with your property rating category please contact the Rates Section to discuss this matter on (02) 6648 4444.
Types of Rates and Charges
Click on the following link for descriptions of the different types of rates and charges that may be included on your Rates & Charges Notice.
Having difficulty in making Rate Account Payment Deadlines?
Our Debt Recovery Procedures include the issue of notices for overdue rate instalments. If you cannot pay by the date required then please contact Council's Rate Section on (02) 6648 4444 to make a payment arrangement. This will avoid the expense and inconvenience of issuing an Overdue Instalment Notice or even worse initiating legal action.
Interest charges apply to outstanding rate charges.
Having difficulty in making Water Account Payment Deadlines?
Our Debt Recovery Procedures include the issue of reminder notices for overdue water account payments. If you cannot pay by the date required then please contact Council's Water Billing Section on (02) 6648 4333 to make a payment arrangement.
Additional fees are charged to the water account if reminder notices are required to be issued. Non-payment of outstanding water account charges can result in a restriction of the water supply meaning that the water flow to the property is dramatically reduced.
Changes of Postal Address
It is extremely important that you tell us if you change your mailing address. You can tell us by phoning, faxing, e-mailing, writing or calling in person. Contact details are on the front of your rate and water accounts.
Who do I contact concerning Waste Services?
Please contact Council's waste contractor Coffs Coast Waste Services direct on 1800 265 495 if you have any enquiries concerning waste services (not including Ex Pristine areas).
Ex Pristine ratepayers (ONLY) need to phone 1800 335 599 for any enquiries concerning waste services as a different contractor is used for this area.
Further Information
Check the back of your rates notice for further information about:
- When rates are due
- How interest charges are applied
- Pensioner concessions
- Exemptions from rates
- Property rating category
- Postponement of rates
Please do not hesitate to contact Council's Rate Section on (02) 6648 4444 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 5.00pm) if you have any further questions concerning rates and charges.
Other Council fees and charges
If you are after a full list of all current fees & charges for Council services, applications, permits, use of facilities, etc., please refer to the document Fees & Charges instead.
