Rates

Council rates are a levy based upon gross rental property values, which pay for a large proportion of the cost of the facilities and services provided by the Council. Facilities include the library, pool, golf course, roads, footpaths, refuse collection, street lighting, parks and reserves.

Rates are the responsibility of the current owner of a property.

If you have made an over payment on your rates and wish to apply for a refund, please complete the Rates Refund form found here.

To calculate general rates the Gross Rental Value (GRV) of a property is multiplied by the rate in the dollar which is set by Council (see below). The GRV is the yearly income the property would be expected to generate if rented. The GRV is determined by the Valuer General’s Office and updated every three years.  

Rates calculation example:

When a ratepayer disposes of rateable land, they are required to notify the Town in writing within 21 days. Changes of contact details including postal address are the responsibility of the owner/s and must be advised in writing ([email protected]).

Pensioners and Seniors who own and occupy property on 1 July 2024 may be entitled to claim a rebate (subject to an assessment by the Office of State Revenue). Rebates to Pensioners and Seniors under the Rates and Charges (Rebates and Deferments) Act 1992 are funded by the Government of Western Australia. All amounts owing must be paid by 30 June 2025 in order to claim a rebate.

Pensioners – A rebate of up to 50% of the current year rates and ESL. This is capped at a maximum of $750.00, which is set by the State Government. If eligible, pensioners may defer payment of their rates and ESL.

Seniors – A rebate of up to 25% of the current year rates and ESL. This is capped at a

maximum of $100.00, which is set by the State Government.

Application can be made via the Water Corporation online at watercorporation.com.au who will then forward a copy to the Town.

Pro-rata rebates may be available from the date of registration to Pensioners and Seniors who become eligible after 1 July of the rating year.

If your circumstances change (particularly with respect to your ownership or occupation of the property, or your eligibility as a Senior or Pensioner), you must notify the Town and the

Water Corporation

Further information is available from the State Government website here.

Under Building Regulation 2012, private swimming pool containing water more than 300mm deep are inspected every four years. A fixed annual charge of $78 is charged to cover the cost of the inspection.  

For information on how and when to pay your rates, please refer to your rates notice or pay online.

An SAR is a boundary-oriented levy implemented by a local government to raise funds for specific works, services or facilities directly benefitting a ratepayer within that boundary. Council has resolved to re-introduced the SAR in a steeped roll-out over the next three years of the project as detailed in the table below:
 

The Emergency Services Levy (ESL) is a State Government charge applicable to all land in WA and is invoiced and collected by local governments on behalf of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES). The ESL provides most of the funding required for the emergency services provided by the DFES, and for local government Bushfire Brigades and SES Units. The amount of ESL to be collected and the applicable rates and charging parameters are declared annually by the Minister for Emergency Services. For more information, please refer to the DFES website, www.dfes.wa.gov.au/esl.