Rates, Fees and Charges
Fees and Charges
This schedule of Fees and Charges has been prepared using the best available information in relation to the impact of GST on the amounts shown and the deliberations of Government Departments and Agencies.
Enquiries about this document should be referred to our Customer Service Staff by phoning 9789 9300.
Fees and Charges - City Planning Divisions - 2009/10 |
Rates
Rates are councils' basic source of income. Council uses rate funds to maintain and improve services and facilities for the community. We're also continuing our record spending on infrastructure with our Infrastructure Renewal Program (IRP).
When do you pay your rates?
You will receive a rates bill four times a year unless you prefer to pay the whole amount in one installment. Rate payments are due on 31 August, 30 November, 28 February and 31 May.
If you would like to find out more about the outstanding rates on a property, including rates in arrears, download the 603 Certificate Counter Application Form (82KB) and submit it at our Customer Service Centre.
How are rates calculated?
Rates are assessed on land value as per the Valuer Generals assessment. Included in your rate bill each quarter is a waste management charge which includes things like garbage collection, recycling, greenwaste and clean up.
If you receive a pension of benefit you may be eligible for a rebate. If you want to find out whether you are eligible for a concession or if you need any further information on rating issues, please call 9789 9300.
If you have a concern over the amount calculated and would like to dispute this, please contact the Department of Lands.
Can council charge me for any extras?
Yes, if council provides the following services, it may levy an annual charge. These include:
- water supply
- sewerage
- drainage
- interest on overdue rates
- any other service prescribed by State Government regulations.
What is rate-pegging?
Rate-pegging is the limit set by the Minister for Local Government by which a council may increase the total income it will receive from rates. The Minister specifies this percentage each year. If the rate-pegging limit is 2.2% for any given year, council could only gain 2.2% more total income from rates in that given year compared to last year. This does not mean that each individual rate assessment could increase by 2.2%. The Minister may approve applications from individual council's to exceed this percentage. The Minister may also specify the amount by which council's may vary domestic waste management charges.
How does council set rates?
Every year before rates and charges are fixed, councils must develop and put on exhibition a Draft Management Plan. The plan must give details of all rates and charges proposed to be levied. Any member of the public can comment on the Draft Management Plan.
Residential Rating Structure
The 2005/2006 rating structure for residential rates -- ad valorem rate in the dollar of 0.3217 cents.
The average rate paid in 2005/06: $773.64.
Business Rating Structure
The 2005/2006 rating structure for business rates -- ad valorem rate in the dollar of 0.7992 cents.
The average rate paid in 2005/06: $3,094.67.
Infrastructure Renewal Program Levy
A special rate rise was approved by the Minister for Local Government for the purpose of road and footpath and maintenance works throughout the City if Canterbury.
Payment Methods
We have a number of payment methods that are available for our residents. Visit our Payments page for further details.
Pension Concession Information
Who is eligible
Under State legislation some pensioners are eligible for concessions. The amounts of the concessions available on an annual basis are fixed by legislation. At present this concession is limited to $250 for ordinary rates and charges for domestic waste management services combined.
If you receive a pension or benefit you may be eligible for a concession even though someone else may jointly own and occupy the property.
Eligibility Criteria
- You must be an eligible pensioner.
- The legislation prescribes eligible pensioners to be:
- persons who receive a pension, benefit or allowance under chapter 2 of the Social Security Act 1991 of the Commonwealth, or a service pension under Part III of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 of the Commonwealth, and who are holders of a pensioner concession card issued by or on behalf of the Commonwealth Government or
- persons who receive a pension from the Commonwealth Department of Veterans' Affairs as the widow or widower of a member of the Australian Defence or Peacekeeping Forces, or
- the unmarried mother of a deceased unmarried member of either of those Forces or
- the widower mother of a deceased unmarried member of either of those Forces and who do not have income and assets that would prevent them from being granted a pensioner concession card (assuming they were eligible for such a card) or
- persons who receive a special rate of pension under Section 24 of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 of the Commonwealth.
- You must occupy the dwelling for which a concession is sought as your sole or principal place of living.
- Evidence of eligibility will be required.
- Persons who become or cease to be eligible pensioners during the year will receive a concession proportionate to the number of full quarters in which they are an eligible pensioner.
- The amount of concession will be determined on the basis that:
- you own the property on your own: or,
- you own the property with one or more eligible occupiers (an eligible occupier can be your spouse, another eligible pensioner and his or her spouse if they use the property as their sole principal home) or:
- you own the property with someone who is not an eligible occupier; or
- a company owns the property (it is a "company title " property) and because you have shares in the company you are liable to pay rates or charges either:
- on your own; or
- with one or more eligible occupiers, or
- with someone who is not an eligible occupier.
Notification of Change of Mailing Address
Fill in this Notification of Change of Mailing Address Form (40KB) to advise us that the mailing address of the property on the rates notice has changed. All future correspondences will be send to the address specified on this form once it has been submitted and processed.
