Your Rates Explained
2023/2024 Rating Proposal
You can review the 2023/2024 Rating Proposal via the link below:
Rating Proposal - 2023/2024
Notice of Intention to Levy Differential Rates - 2023/2024
Additional Rating and Valuation Information
Rates are a primary source of revenue for the City of Busselton (City) and are imposed on all rateable land within its district so as to provide revenue to fund the services and facilities provided to residents, local businesses and visitors.
A single general rate may be imposed on rateable land that has a Gross Rental Value (GRV) or Unimproved Value (UV) type. Alternatively the City can distinguish between land with either value type on the basis of its use, zoning or whether it is vacant land (or other characteristic set out in regulations), or a combination of these factors and apply a differential rate.
A differential rate is generally imposed to ensure that every landowner and business venture makes a reasonable contribution to maintaining and upgrading services and facilities within the district. Also, it is used to maintain relativities between rate groups, giving the ability to moderate varying levels or target driven rating between or for specific rate groups.
For the 2023/24 financial year, the City intends to continue to use differential rates to raise rate revenue and balance Councils 2023/24 Annual Budget, whilst also considering its Long Term Financial Plan (2022/23 to 2031/32) funding requirements. It is intended that for 2023/24 financial year that there will be an average 3.9% increase to each differential rating category.
The amount of rates payable by a property is determined by four factors:
- the properties valuation type of GRV or UV;
- the amount of the valuation;
- the properties differential rating category; and
- the rate in the dollar or minimum payment of that differential rating category.
All rateable land will have either a GRV valuation for land that is predominantly used for non-rural purposes or a UV valuation for land that is predominantly used for rural purposes. These valuations are provided by the Valuer Generals Office (VGO) in accordance with the Valuation of Land Act 1978 and are usually revalued every 3 to 6 years for GRV and yearly for UV values. There was a revaluation of all UV’s effective from the 1 July 2023.
A property’s annual rating assessment is determined by multiplying its GRV or UV by the rate in the dollar as set by Council in its annual budget. Where this calculation is less or equal to the “Minimum Payment”, then the “Minimum Payment” is levied on the property. The increases in UV valuations have been taken into consideration as best as possible when setting the 2023/24 rate in the dollar.
If there are any queries in relation to a property’s valuation, please refer to the VGO website at www.landgate.wa.gov.au/valuations or call their customer service on (08) 9273 7373 for more information.
Or please refer to the City’s website at www.busselton.wa.gov.au for the objects and reasons on each differential rating category, rates FAQ’s, or call (08) 9781 0444.
How Are Rates Calculated?
The City calculates your rates based on the following calculation:
Your Rates = Rate1 x Valuation2 + Yearly Fees
1: differential rate in the dollar as set by the City
2: set by the Valuer General
It is proposed for the 2023/24 financial year that the following rate in the dollar and minimum payment for each differential rating category will apply:
|
Differential Rate
|
Rate in the $
|
Minimum Payment
|
|
GROSS RENTAL VALUATION PROPERTIES
|
|
Residential – Improved & Vacant
|
$0.085327
|
$1,517
|
|
Commercial - Improved & Vacant
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$0.112218
|
$1,517
|
|
Industrial - Improved & Vacant
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$0.119475
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$1,517
|
|
GRV Holiday Home
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$0.094813
|
$1,576
|
|
UNIMPROVED VALUATION PROPERTIES
|
|
Primary Production
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$0.003327
|
$1,656
|
|
UV Commercial
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$0.006368
|
$1,517
|
|
UV Rural
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$0.003517
|
$1,517
|
|
UV Holiday Home
|
$0.003289
|
$1,822
|
Minimum Payment
Each differential rating category has a minimum payment that is applied to ensure those properties not subject to a rate in the dollar calculation make a fair and equitable contribution to the City’s rate revenue.
A minimum payment is levied if it is equal to or less than the amount when calculating rates by using the rate in the dollar multiplied by a properties valuation.
For the 2023/24 financial year there will be a 3.9% increase to the minimum payment for each differential rate category.
Other Yearly Charges, Fees and Levies
All yearly charges, fees and levies are clearly outlined on your Rate Notice and may include:
Specified Area Rates
For the 2023/24 financial year there will be a 3.5% increase to the Specified Area Rates.
Port Geographe – Rate in the Dollar: $0.013964
To all properties within the area known as Port Geographe, in order to meet the obligations of the City under the Port Geographe Management Deed. The rate is applied to all properties within the area of former Town Planning Scheme No. 19 based upon a property’s Gross Rental Value.
Provence – Rate in the Dollar: $0.012739
To all properties within the area known as the Provence Subdivision (Busselton Airport North), in order to hold funds for the maintenance of the approved higher standard of landscaping within the Provence subdivision in accordance with Council resolution C0806/172.
Vasse – Rate in the Dollar: $0.015803
To all properties within the area known as the Vasse (Birchfields) Subdivision, in order to hold funds for the maintenance of the approved higher standard of landscaping within the Vasse (Birchfields) subdivision in accordance with Council resolution C0806/173.
Provence UV – Rate in the Dollar – $0.000135
To all properties within the area known as the Provence Subdivision (Busselton Airport North), in order to hold funds for the maintenance of the approved higher standard of landscaping within the Provence subdivision in accordance with Council resolution C0806/172.
Waste Infrastructure Rate
A rate in the dollar is levied to fund significant waste infrastructure development and boost recycling activities to reduce landfill. The rates in the dollar are:
- Unimproved Valuations – Rate in Dollar $0.000004; Minimum Rate - $87.50
- Gross Rental Valuations – Rate in Dollar $0.00001; Minimum Rate - $87.50
Swimming Pool Fee
Charged per annum for properties that have on them a swimming pool, for an approved Council officer to inspect the safety requirements.
State Government Emergency Services Levy (ESL)
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 a 3.7% year on year increase. For further information please refer to the DFES website at or call 1300 136 099.
Did you know?
The Emergency Services Levy (ESL) funds Western Australia’s (WA) fire and emergency services, including Career and Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service brigades, Volunteer Fire and Emergency Service units, bushfire fighting and management services.
Objects and Reasons for Differential Rates
Differential Rates – Gross Rental Valuations (GRV)
Residential (Vacant/Improved)
The object of this category is to apply a differential general rate or minimum payment to land used or held or zoned for residential purposes. And to act as the City’s benchmark differential rate and minimum payment by which all other GRV rated properties are assessed.
The reason for this rate is to ensure that all ratepayers make a reasonable contribution towards the ongoing maintenance of public assets, infrastructure and facilities, as well the provision of community services throughout the district.
GRV Holiday Homes
The object of this category is to apply a differential rate or minimum payment to land with a Gross Rental Value that is wholly or partly used or held or zoned for Holiday Home purposes.
The reasons for this rate, which is over and above that for ordinary Residential mentioned above, is to assist with the funding of Tourism, Marketing, Events and Economic Development related projects, activities and services throughout the district.
Commercial (Improved/Vacant)
The object of this category is to apply a differential rate or minimum payment to land wholly or partly used or held or zoned for Commercial purposes.
The reason for this rate is in order to assist with the funding of Tourism, Marketing, Events and Economic Development related projects, activities and services throughout the district.
Commercial/Industrial (Vacant/Improved)
The object of this category is to apply a differential rate or minimum payment to land wholly or partly used or held or zoned for Commercial and Industrial purposes.
The reason for this rate is to assist with the funding of Tourism, Marketing, Events and Economic Development related projects, activities and services throughout the district.
Differential Rates – Unimproved Valuations (UV)
Primary Production
The object of this category is to apply a differential general rate or minimum payment to land used or held or zoned for bona-fide primary production and is to act as the City’s benchmark differential rate by which all other UV rated properties are assessed.
The reason for this rate is to ensure that all ratepayers make a reasonable contribution towards the ongoing maintenance of public assets, infrastructure and facilities, as well the provision of community services throughout the district.
UV Rural
The object of this category is to apply a differential rate or minimum payment to land used or held or zoned for non-primary production or non-commercial purposes.
The reason for this rate is to acknowledge that the majority of properties in this category are typically of a rural residential nature and that the level of rating should be more reflective of such use.
UV Holiday Home
The object of this category is to apply a differential rate or minimum payment to land with an Unimproved Value that is wholly or partly used or held or zoned for Holiday Home purposes.
The reason for this rate is to assist with the funding of Tourism, Marketing, Events and Economic Development related projects, activities and services throughout the district.
UV Commercial
The object of this category is to apply a differential rate or minimum payment to land with an Unimproved Value that is wholly or partly used or held or zoned for commercial purposes.
The reason for this rate is to assist with the funding of Tourism, Marketing, Events and Economic Development related projects, activities and services throughout the district, and to achieve a fair and equitable level of rating between commercial properties within both the UV and GRV differential rating categories.