Rates are calculated by multiplying a property’s valuation by the rate in the dollar set by Council. The valuation for each property is determined by the Valuer General and is either a Gross Rental Value (GRV) or Unimproved Value (UV).
Gross Rental Value (GRV) is the fair annual rental value of your property and is an estimate of how much you could expect to receive if you were to rent your property. Where the property is vacant land, an equivalent GRV, based on 3% of the property value, is used.
For properties situated in the City of Kalamunda, the Unimproved Value (UV) is the site value of the land. In general, this means the value of the land as if it were vacant with no improvements except for merged improvements. Merged improvements relate to improvements such as clearing, draining and filling.
For Example: Gross Rental Value = $16,500 Rate in the Dollar = 0.0636050 cents (GRV – General) Annual Rates amount = $16,500 x 0.0636050 = $1,049.48 (Minimum rates may apply)
Unimproved Value = $375,000 Rate in the Dollar = 0.003655 cents (UV – General) Annual Rates amount = $375,000 x 0.003655 = $1,370.63(Minimum rates may apply)
2023/2024 is a revaluation year in which Landgate has assessed and provided the City with new valuations for all properties within the City. The date of valuation is taken from 1 August 2021. These valuations are in force and effective from 1 July 2023. GRV values are reflective of the estimated rental yield per year of the property. Further information about the exact method of calculation and any objections to valuations will need to be directed to the Valuer Generals Office at Landgate via phone (08) 9273 7373 or email at landgate.wa.gov.au.
For the 2023/24 financial year, there is an overall rate increase of 4.9% for all categories including Minimum rates. This is also a revaluation year in which Landgate has assessed and provided values for the individual properties. The revaluations are conducted every 3 years for the metropolitan area. The average valuation change across all categories is an increase of 17.38%.
The rating structure is a core element in ensuring ongoing financial sustainability. It is also vital in enabling the City to deliver its significant Capital works program and provide the services required by the Community. Some of the costs that Local Governments have include road and bridge construction, building, machinery and equipment, electricity and street lighting, employment and materials and contract costs.
As a result of the rate freeze in 2020/21 and lower than projected rate increases for 2021/22 and 2022/23, the City needs to better align operating revenues with operating expenditures, to ensure that we remain financially sustainable.
Economic stress and inflation have continued to escalate costs over the past 12 months. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), over the twelve months to the March 2023 quarter, CPI rose 7.0%. The City’s 23/24 rate increase of 4.9% is below this and is comparable with other metro councils.
Rates are due and payable either in full, or by 2 or 4 instalments by the due date.
You may apply for a payment arrangement by direct debit.
If you have a current Smarter Way to Pay agreement with the City this will continue as normal.
If you wish to make a new a payment arrangement, please contact the City’s rates department.
Please note: Penalty interest of 11% per annum will accrue daily on the balance of the overdue account, until it is fully paid.
If you feel that the valuation applied to your property is incorrect, you can lodge an objection with Landgate’s Valuer General’s Office, within 60 days of the issue of your rates notice.
For more information, please contact the Valuer General’s Office on (08) 9273 7373.
All property owners in Western Australia contribute to fire and emergency services through the Emergency Services Levy (ESL).
Local Governments collect the levy on behalf of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES). All funds collected are forwarded directly to DFES, who then redistribute the money to emergency services throughout the State.
For further information on the Emergency Services Levy please contact DFES on 1300 136 099 or visit their website: www.dfes.wa.gov.
Landgate has further information on the valuations for rating and taxing on their website: www.landgate.wa.gov.au
The entry pass for the Transfer Station is enclosed with the annual rate notice that is issued in July each year.
Please note, if you misplace or throw away your entry pass, there may be a replacement charge required to be paid at the Council’s administration building before entry to the Transfer Station can be permitted.
If you are registered with Council (and approved) for a full Pensioner concession you will also receive a discount for the first Standard Waste Service bin and this will be capped at $264.80. Therefore, the cost of the bin will be $369.00
Different waste services charges apply for commercial and industrial categories.
If you order a Waste Service Bin during the year, you will be charged at a pro-rata charge from the date that the bin is ordered.
The waste collection charge includes the collection and disposal of:
The City is charged a fee for all credit card payments and this fee of 0.46% is on-charged to ratepayers.
Eligibility Criteria – to be eligible for a concession under the Rates and Charges (Rebates and Deferments Act) 1992:
A pro-rata rebate may be available from the date of registration for eligible registered Pensioners and Seniors who become eligible after 1 July of the current rating year.
If your circumstances change, particularly with respect to your ownership or occupancy of the property, or your eligibility as a Pensioner or Senior, you must notify the City or the Water Corporation. Your registration will be cancelled or amended as appropriate.
Register Concessions: Ratepayers can now register for their concession on the internet via watercorporation.com.au or apply over the phone to the Water Corporation on 1300 659 951. Concessions only apply once your application is received and registered.
The portion of the Rates and Charges for Concession card holders are due and payable as per any other Ratepayer either in full or by instalment by the due date shown on the rate notice, or by payment arrangement suitable to the City. If not paid by close of business 30 June 2024 the rebate is forfeited.
For further information please contact the Rates Department rates@kalamunda.wa.gov.au
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