What are Rates?
Rates are levied as a tax on property in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act 1999. Rates are not a fee for service or user charge. For example, not all ratepayers use all services such as libraries, playgrounds, public conveniences and they are unlikely to travel on every walking track, local or rural road. Ratepayers contribute to the costs of all local government services, even if they do not use those services.
Rates are a tax based on the value of property; those with higher valued properties pay more than those with lower valued property. Rates are the principal source of income for Council and represent approximately 67.29% of Councils total operating revenue.
How are Rates Determined?
To determine the amount of rates to be raised, Council takes into consideration the objectives outlined in its Community Plan and Long Term Financial Plan, the current economic climate, specific issues faced by its community, the need to maintain and improve community infrastructure assets and the long-term financial sustainability of the Council.
The rate revenue Council needs to collect for the 2023-2024 year to meet its strategic and long-term objectives is $5,257,969. This is 6.0% more than the rates raised in 2022-2023. The actual impact of rate increases on individuals will vary depending on the land use category for their property and any changes in valuation to those properties over the past year.