Rates

Ratepayers are advised that if they are unable to pay their rates by the due date or to meet the instalment requirements, they can make other arrangements to pay their rates by entering into an Alternative Arrangement Payment Plan.

Please contact Council’s Office if you need to consider this arrangement.

Council adopted at a Special Council Meeting held on the 6 July 2023 to impose an administration charge of $0, and interest of 0% for the 2023/24 financial year

Council adopted at Special Council Meeting held on the 6 July 2023 to impose a 0% rate of penalty interest on overdue rates that remain unpaid for the 2023/24 financial year

A person may object to their rates for their property on the grounds of:

• there is a problem with the rate record (incorrect owner/occupier details).

• the land or part of the land is not rateable.

An objection must be made in writing within 42 days of the date of issue of the rate notice. The objection must identify the land and fully explain the details of the objection. Should you have a concern regarding your property valuation contact the Landgate Valuation Service on (08) 9429 8400 or at Landgate within 60 days of the date of issue of the rate notice.

Where an appeal or objection to rates is lodged it does not affect the liability of the owner to pay the Shire rates levied, pending a valuation determination. Any overpaid rates will be refunded.

(Applicable to RATES and ESL charge only, all other charges to be paid in full)

Pensioners who meet the eligibility criteria below, are entitled to claim a rebate of up to 50% off the current years rates and ESL charge or may defer payment of those rates.

Persons who hold a Seniors Card issued by the Office of Seniors Interests and a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card are entitled to the same level of concession as a pensioner.

Rebate is limited to a maximum amount prescribed annually.

Holders of the State Seniors Card only who meet the following eligibility criteria are entitled to claim a rebate of up to 25%.

Rebate is limited to a maximum amount prescribed annually.

Eligibility Criteria – to be eligible for concessions under the Rates and Charges (Rebates and Deferments) Act 1992, an applicant must:

be the owner and reside in the property on 1 July of the rating year;

If a Pensioner, either;

– be in receipt of a pension and hold a pensioner concession card or State concession card; or

– hold both a Seniors Card issued by the Office of Seniors Interests and a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card;

or

– if a Senior, hold a Seniors Card issued by the Office of Seniors Interests;

– register your entitlement with Water Corporation (concessions only apply once your application is received and registered).

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

Pensioners, please contact Council if you have rate arrears outstanding on the property and you meet the eligibility criteria. You may be able to enter into an arrangement that entitles you to rebate or deferment. Seniors must pay their rate arrears to be entitled to a rebate.

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 Council and the Water Corporation. Your registration will be cancelled or amended, as appropriate.

Rebates to Pensioners and Seniors under the Rate and Charges (Rebates and Deferments) Act 1992 are funded by the Government of Western Australia.

Council is required to issue the owner of rateable land a Notice of Valuation and Rates, and it is deemed to have been effected if delivered to the address shown in the rate record for the owner at the time of delivery.

It is therefore important to provide Council’s rating section with your current mailing address, and on the reverse side of the rate notice an area is set aside for advice on such a change in address or ownership.

Under the provisions of Section 9.68 of the Local Government Act 1995, when a person, whether as principal or agent, sells or otherwise disposes of rateable land in the district of a Municipality, the principal or agent shall, within 21 days after the sale or disposal, give to the Council of the Municipality written notice of the sale with a plan or description of the land and the name and address of the purchaser.