Types of Rates & Charges
Below is a description of the different types of rates and charges that may be included on your Rates Notice.
Ordinary Rates
All land is liable for an Ordinary Rate except for some exemptions allowed under the Local Government Act. The type of Ordinary Rate depends on the rating category given to your property.
Residential & 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 (no minimum amount applies).
Business & Business City Centre Categories
The Ordinary Rate is calculated using a rate per dollar multiplied by the property's land valuation (a minimum amount applies).
Environmental Special Rate
This 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 (no minimum applies).
The Environmental Special Rate provides funding for projects detailed in Council's annual Environmental Levy Program. All projects within the 2009/2010 program have beneficial outcomes for the environment and the community.
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.
Sewerage Access Charge (Residential)
Apply to all land that is within 75 metres of a sewerage main and able to be connected (whether connected or not).
Residential properties have one charge per occupation.
Where a property includes a house with a 'Granny Flat' used for the accommodation of family or visitors, consideration may be given to reducing the charge. Please contact the Rates Section on (02) 6648 4444 to apply for this reduction.
Sewerage Access Charges (Non-Residential)
The charge is 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 Charge (Residential)
These apply to all land that is within 225 metres of a water main and able to be connected (whether connected or not).
Residential properties have one charge per occupation.
Water Access Charge (Non-Residential)
These apply to all 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 meters servicing the property.
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 calculated on the number of 3-bin or 2-bin services provided to each property multiplied by the charge per service.
Non-residential premises shall be charged a minimum of one garbage charge for each premise.
Effluent Charges
These apply to properties that are subject to effluent pump-out by Council's licenced Contractor. Additional charges (billed by the Contractor) apply for actual effluent removed.
The annual charge is calculated on the number of pump-out outlets per property multiplied by the unit price.
Onsite Sewage Management Fees
These 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 or low risk.
Trade Waste Charges
These apply 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 Service Charges
These apply 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.
