Frequently Asked Questions - Rates and Valuations
How are rates calculated?
Council rates are a property-based tax. Therefore, the rates you pay are based on the value of the property you own.
The Capital Improvement Value of the property is multiplied by the rate in the dollar set by the Council.
For the period 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2012 the rates are as follows:-
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Rating Category
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Calculation
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Explanation
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General Rate
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0.3848 cents in the $
eg CIV $100,000 x 0.003848 = $384.00 rates
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Applies to urban residences.
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Vacant Land Rate
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0.7696 cents in the $
eg CIV $100,000 x 0.007696 = $769.60 rates
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Higher than the general rate to encourage development.
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Farm and Urban Farm Rate
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0.3463 cents in the $
eg CIV $100,000 x 0.003463 = $346.30 rates
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10 per cent lower than the general rate. Criteria includes size of property (minimun 2HA) and major use.
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Commercial and Industrial A
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0.5002 cents in the $
eg CIV $100,000 x 0.005002 = $500.20 rates
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Land is used predominantly for a commercial or industrial purpose.
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Commercial and Industrial B
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0.9620 cents in the $
eg CIV $100,000 x 0.009620 = $962.00 rates
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Land is used predominantly for a commercial or industrial purpose, where the buildings on the land are determined by the Council’s contract valuer as not adding any value to the property.
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What happens if I don’t pay my rates?
Interest at 10.50% p.a. will be charged on any amount outstanding at 15 February 2012. If payment is being made by instalments, interest will be charged on the late instalment from the date that the instalment was due.
Why do I pay so much interest when my rates are paid only one or two days late?
The Council is bound by the Local Government Act to charge interest backdated to the date the rates were declared by the Council, 13 July 2011, on any amount not being paid by instalments. The state government administers the Local Government Act, as well as the Penalty Interest Rates Act under which the rate of interest is set. The Council must comply with these provisions.
If I am unable to pay my rates either by lump sum or by four instalments what should I do?
Contact the Council’s revenue office immediately to arrange for an extended payment plan, such as making small fortnightly or monthly payments, to suit your budget. Any payments made before 15 February 2012 reduce your rate bill and therefore the amount of interest charged after that date.
What should I do if I change my address or sell my property?
If you change your address you must advise the Council in writing within one month of moving. You must also notify the Australian Electoral Office of your change of address as the Council uses these details when it prepares its voters’ roll.
If you sell your property, a Notice of Disposition must be lodged within one month of the date of settlement. If you have engaged a solicitor or conveyancing agent they will normally attend to this on your behalf.
Garbage Charges
The Council offers the following garbage collections:
- Household garbage, recycling and greenwaste collection
- Additional twice monthly greenwaste collection
- Additional 120L garbage bin
- Additional 240L recycling bin
- Industrial and commercial garbage and recycling collection
- Tanjil Bren garbage collection
- Walhalla garbage collection.
For further information please call Waste Management on 5624 2411.