Rates - Calculation of Rates 

All land within a Council area, except for land specifically exempt (e.g. crown land, Council occupied land and other land prescribed in the Local Government Act - refer Appendix 1 and Section 147 of the Act), is rateable. The Local Government Act provides for a Council to raise revenue for the broad purposes of the Council through a general rate, which applies to all rateable properties, or through differential general rates, which apply to classes of properties. In addition, Council can raise separate rates, for specific areas of the Council or service rates or charges for specific services. The Council also raises revenue through fees and charges, which are set giving consideration to the cost of the service provided and any equity issues. The list of applicable fees and charges is available at the Council office.

Council reviewed the rating system and resolved to:

- Use Capital Value as the basis for valuing land

- Implement a fixed charge (which will apply to all rateable properties equally) in lieu of a minimum rate

- Use Land Use as its basis for differential rating

- Introduce a Kerb Side Refuse Collection charge

- Apply a 25% cap on the increase of general rates on any individual property for 2012/13 rating.  

2012/2013 Rating

There is a fixed charge of $370 (which is applied to all rateable properties equally) in lieu of a minimum rate.  

Land Type	Cent Rate in $
Residential	0.2023
Commercial	0.2023
Industrial	0.2023
Vacant Land	0.2023
Other	0.2023
Primary Production	0.4336
Commercial (Bulk Handling)	.20516