Rates FAQ's

Landgate has produced a series of short videos that explain how Gross Rental Value (GRV) and Unimproved Value (UV) is calculated. You may find these videos helpful in understanding how your rates are set each year.

Local government rates are a contribution each property owner makes towards the cost of providing facilities and services in their local community. Anyone owning residential, rural, vacant, industrial or commercial property in the City of Busselton is a ratepayer. Some government bodies, educational and registered charitable organisations are exempt from paying rates.

The investment our Council is making in infrastructure is adding significantly to jobs and the local economy at a time when it is most needed. Building costs and interest rates are also favourable and this means we can get great value for money in delivering new infrastructure that will serve our fast growing community for decades to come.

Every ratepayer uses one or more facilities provided by Council. The moment you drive out of your property onto a road you are using a Council facility. If you live outside of the City and have a rental property, then your tenant uses Council's facilities.

Annual rates contribute to all of the City’s many works and services throughout the district with some obvious examples being:

• Keeping the City clean and maintained, plus upgrading its large community assets;
• Construction and maintenance of street lighting, drains, roads, footpaths and cycle ways;
• Jetty and Beachfront works and maintenance;
• Maintenance of other beaches, parks and garden maintenance;
• Waste collection and services.

And current special projects such as:

• Airport development; and
• Busselton foreshore development.

Your annual rate notices will be issued around July/August each year. If you do not receive your rate notice then please send an email to city@busselton.wa.gov.au or call 08 9781 0444. Please provide the following details:

• Full name
• Contact details
• Property address
• Postal address

It is a property owner/s responsibility to inform the City in writing of any change in postal address. This change of address may be made:

• by e-mail to: city@busselton.wa.gov.au; or
• by mail to: Locked Bag 1, BUSSELTON WA 6280.

Alternatively the change of address form located at www.busselton.wa.gov.au may be completed and e-mailed, posted or delivered to the City.

The City will, as in many prior years dating back to the 1980’s, use differential rating categories to raise rate revenue. The rating proposal with objects and reasons for each differential rating category may be viewed at www.busselton.wa.gov.au/Council/Rates-and-Charges/Documents-Forms-Applications

Annually the City sets a “Rate in the Dollar” and a “Minimum Payment” amount for each differential rating category which is then applied to each rateable property within that category.

Differential rates known as residential improved and vacant, commercial and industrial improved and vacant, holiday homes, rural UV, commercial UV and primary production. Further information can be found at www.busselton.wa.gov.au/Council/Rates-and-Charges/Your-Rates-Explained

An objection may be lodged where there is an error in the rate record with respect to:

• the identity of the owner or occupier of any land or
• on the basis that the land or part of the land is not rateable

An objection to the rate record must be made in writing and lodged with the City within 42 days of the date of issue of an annual or interim (not instalment) rate notice. This objection must identify the relevant land and set out fully in detail the grounds of the objection. Please note that any rate payment must still be paid by its due date even where a rate record objection has been lodged.

Emergency Services Levy

The Emergency Services Levy (ESL) is a compulsory State Government levy which is forwarded to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) to fund services such as fire and rescue services, bush fire brigades and state emergency services throughout Western Australia. The State Government has determined that there will be no increase in the amount of ESL raised for the 2020-21 financial period. For further information please refer to the DFES website at https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au or call 1300 136 099.

Specified Area Rates

Some properties will be charged one of the following Specified Area Rates:

Port Geographe – A specified area rate is set at 1.5719 cents in the dollar and applies to all properties within this specified area known as Port Geographe, in order to meet obligations the City has under a “Waterways Management” Deed. The rate is applied to all properties within the area of former Town Planning Scheme No.19 based upon a property's GRV.

Provence GRV & UV – A specified area rate of 1.4462 cents in the dollar in respect to rateable land within Councils GRV assessed area, and a specified area rate of 0.0143 cents in the dollar in respect to rateable land within Councils UV assessed area, within the specified area known as the Provence Subdivision (Busselton Airport North) shall apply. The purpose of this rate is to hold funds for the maintenance of the approved higher standard of landscaping with the Provence subdivision in accordance with Council policy 185/3 including future capital replacement of landscaping structures as may be required.

Vasse – A specified area rate of 1.8385 cents in the dollar in respect to rateable land within Councils GRV assessed area, within the specified area known as the Vasse (Birchfields) subdivision shall apply. The purpose of this rate is to hold funds for the maintenance of the approved higher standard of landscaping with the Vasse (Birchfields) subdivision in accordance with Council policy 185/3 including future capital replacement of landscaping structures as may be required.

Pool Inspection Fee

Some properties will be charged a swimming pool inspection fee if a swimming pool or spa is on the property. This covers the cost of conducting a compulsory pool fence inspection once every four years at your property. The 2020-2021 annual charge is $58.45. When a pool or spa is removed then the City needs to:

• be informed in writing of its removal or decommissioning; and
• receive before and after photos. If photos can’t be provided then an inspection will need to be arranged.

Once satisfactory photos have been received or an inspection plus photos completed then this fee will be removed effective from the 1st July of the next financial year. Further information is located at: https://www.busselton.wa.gov.au/Building-Planning/Building-Services/Swimming-Pools/My-pool-has-been-removed

Waste Charges

Some properties will be charged one or both of the following waste service charges:

• Domestic & Commercial Weekly Waste Service - $169
• Domestic & Commercial Recycling Service - $82

Waste Infrastructure Rates

All rateable properties are subject to a waste infrastructure charge to fund significant waste infrastructure development and boost recycling activities to reduce landfill. The 2020-2021 rates in the dollar and minimum rate are:

• Unimproved Valuations – 0.00005 cents in the dollar, Minimum Rate - $49.00
• Gross Rental Valuations – 0.0001 cents in the dollar; Minimum Rate - $49.00

Rural ratepayers with at least 5 hectares of bush may be eligible for a rebate in exchange for protection and management of the bushland. For further information, contact the Environmental Officer on (08) 9781 0464.

Landgate Valuation Services (LVS) provide either a Gross Rental Value (GRV) or Unimproved Valuation (UV) for every rateable property. Properties with a GRV are usually revalued every three years whilst properties with a UV are revalued every year.

A properties valuation is determined in one of two ways, depending on the type of property you own:

 

• For properties that are predominately used for non-rural purposes, such as residential, industrial and commercial, then a GRV is provided. This GRV is an estimate of a properties annual rental, even if the property is not rented. A GRV is determined based on rental evidence and will be influenced by factors such as the improvements built on the land and a properties location, views, age and any other individual characteristics.
• For properties that are predominately used for rural purposes, then a UV is provided. This is an estimate of the value of the land of the property assuming no improvements on the land.

 

Please visit Landgate’s website at https://www.landgate.wa.gov.au/valuations for more valuation information.

If you believe your property has been incorrectly valued then you may lodge an enquiry with LVS within 60 days after the issue date of an annual or interim (not instalment) rate notice. Please visit Landgate’s website at https://www.landgate.wa.gov.au/valuations for more valuation information or call (08) 9273 7373 to discuss the enquiry. Please note that any rate payment must still be paid by its due date even where an enquiry has been made or a subsequent valuation objection lodged.

Your annual rate notices will be issued around July/August each year. If you do not receive your rate notice then please send an email or call 08 9781 0444 and provide the following details:

• Full name
• Contact details
• Property address
• Postal address

Yes, the City provides the option of receiving your rates and instalment notices via your online banking site or by email. Please visit www.busselton.wa.gov.au/Council/Rates-and-Charges/Receive-your-Rate-Notice-Electronically to register for one of these services.

Rate payments may be made via any one of the following methods. Please ensure your properties reference number is used and that all cheques and money orders are made payable to the City of Busselton.

• Direct Debit
• BPay via your online banking site
• BPoint via credit card at www.busselton.wa.gov.au or on 1300 276 468
• In person by cash, cheque, or credit/debit card.

Ratepayers can pay their annual rating assessment via any one of the following payment options:

Option One – In full via a single payment. Nil costs.

Option Two – By four equal or near equal bi-monthly instalments. Costs of 5.50%pa interest plus $18.00 administration fee will apply. No costs for rebate recipients. Instalments will be due on or before the following dates:

• 1st Instalment – 4 September 2020
• 2nd Instalment – 4 November 2020
• 3rd Instalment – 4 January 2021
• 4th Instalment – 4 March 2021

EASY RATES DIRECT DEBIT OPTIONS

Option Three – By 40 equal or near equal weekly instalments. Costs of 5.50%pa interest plus $30.00 administration fee will apply. No costs for rebate recipients.

Option Four – By 20 equal or near equal fortnightly instalments. Costs of 5.50%pa interest plus $25.00 administration fee will apply. No costs for rebate recipients.

Option Five – By 10 equal or near equal monthly instalments. Costs of 5.50%pa interest plus $20.00 administration fee will apply. No costs for rebate recipients.

To elect one of these option will require full payment or the 1st instalment being received by the City on or before the due date of this notice. Where two or more instalments remain unpaid then that instalment option will be cancelled without refund of any costs. New payment or instalment amounts should be obtained if this notice has any arrears amounts.

 

If you are unable to meet one of the payment options stated on the front of your notice then please send a written payment proposal for consideration, prior to the 1st due date. This proposal may be made by completing and sending the form located at https://www.busselton.wa.gov.au/Council/Rates-and-Charges/Documents-Forms-Applications or by sending an email to city@busselton.wa.gov.au. The proposal should state the payment regularity (i.e. Weekly, fortnightly or monthly.), a commencement date and payment amount that should be sufficient to effect clearance by the 31st March of that financial year. Any approved payment proposal will be subject to various terms and conditions including a $30.00 arrangement fee plus interest accrual. Payments made under an approved special arrangement will need to be made via direct debit.

Note: Proposed payments should be met even if a decision on the proposal is yet to be received.

Overdue Rates – Are where a payment option or an instalment is not paid by its due date. Overdue rates do not apply if eligible to a full State Government rebate.

Rate Arrears – Are any unpaid non-deferred rating balances from previous financial periods. All overdue and arrears rating balances will be subject to interest accrual and legal recovery proceedings where not eligible to a full State Government rebate. Each property owners is jointly and severally liable for overdue and arrears balances plus any legal recovery costs. All legal recovery costs will be charged to the property and will be payable in full along with the debt sought prior to ceasing recovery proceedings.

In accordance with sections 6.60 and 6.64 of the Local Government Act 1995 the City may garnish a property rental and/or after taking Court action may if rates or service charges remain unpaid for at least 3 years take possession of the property and (a) from time to time lease the land (b) sell the land (c) cause the land to be transferred to the Crown or (d) cause the land to be transferred to itself. All costs associated with these proceedings, including advertisement and marketing will be charged to the property and will be due and payable in full along with the debt sought prior to ceasing recovery proceedings.

NOTE: The City is not obligated or responsible to remove any legal recovery proceedings notation from a property owner/s Australian credit rating record.

Overdue interest will accrue daily at 8.00%pa, calculated on a daily simple interest basis, on all arrears, overdue rating balances and unpaid instalments until fully cleared. If interest is accruing then a payout amount should be obtained prior to making any payment. Interest accrued may be cleared in preference to overdue and arrears rating balances from any rate payments received. Overdue interest will not accrue if eligible to a full State Government rebate or deferral.

Property owners who hold an eligible Pensioner Concession Card, State Concession Card or both a Seniors Card and a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card may be entitled to:

• A State Government rebate up to 50% off a current property and specified area rates and State Government Emergency Services Levy (ESL) capped for the 2020-2021 financial period to $750.00 for rates.
• Forgo the rebates and defer this plus any unpaid current City rates or ESL for payment in the future.
• Eligibility to defer is only if a card holder is entitled to a full rebate. Payment of deferred balances are required where there is a change in a properties circumstances, such as strata titling, ownership or occupation.

Property owners that hold a Seniors Card may be entitled to:

• A State Government rebate up to 25% off a current property and specified area rates and ESL capped for the 2020-2021 financial period to $100.00 for rates.

Eligibility for State Government rebate benefits is where a valid Centrelink or State card is held and that card holder:

• Owns and occupies the property as at 1 July of the rating year.
• Fully pays any arrears or commences an acceptable payment program in clearance of these arrears. Payments under this program are to be made in addition to fully paying the full payment amount of this notice for a rebate to be claimed.

For the City to submit a rebate claim to the State Government requires that the total of your annual rates, plus any interest accruals, be fully paid on or before 30 June of this rating year. Application for a State Government rebate should be made via the Water Corporation by calling 1300 659 951 or at www.watercorporation.com.au. Any State Government rebate will be applied from the date of an approved application.

Note: A penalty of $1,000 is applicable should a claim be made for a State Government rebate when ineligible for such a rebate.

Yes. All owners of all households in the City of Busselton, (both urban and rural), are able to use the barcode on their Rate Notice as a Tip Pass to be admitted to the waste facilities until September 30, 2021. Complimentary Tip Passes (cardboard passes) are issued to residents who are experiencing issues receiving or using a barcode for their property.

What can the passes be used for?

The passes are “All Purpose” and can be used for loads of either domestic waste or green waste, provided that the items are separately disposed of in the correct areas.

Is Vacant Land eligible for Tip Passes?

Yes. Owners of residential vacant land should receive tip passes with their rates notice.

Can Tip Passes be used for commercial or business waste?

No. Tip passes (both barcodes and complimentary passes) are for waste from a single household only. Tip passes are not issued to commercial properties. Commercial contractors who are removing household domestic waste are not permitted to use the passes.

What items are not accepted free of charge with Tip Passes?

Disposal of car tyres will incur a cost of $8.00 each, this is to pay for the cost of processing. Mattresses will incur a cost of $5.00 each, this is to pay for the cost of dismantling and recycling of the components.

Busselton Transfer Station, Rendezvous Rd – Open 7.30am - 4.00pm Seven Days a Week. Ph: 0408 933 441

Dunsborough Waste Facility, Vidler Rd – Open 7.30am - 4.00pm Seven Days a Week. Ph: 0417 179 596

NOTE: All Waste Facilities are closed on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Good Friday.

Further information: Waste Administration 9781 0359.