Rates and Charges Explained
Your property’s rating category
Your rating category is shown on your rates notice. If you consider your property has been incorrectly categorised, you may object based on the differential general rate category descriptions as outlined in the adopted Revenue Statement. Objections must be lodged within 30 days of your rates notice being issued. Rates and charges are still due and payable by the due date. If the rating category is changed as a result of an objection, the rates will be adjusted at that time.
How are my general rates calculated?
The value of each property and the rating category of the property is used as the basis for calculating what each property owner pays. Each rating category has a different rate in the dollar applied to the property value to calculate the General Rate. Other applicable charges are also added to determine your final rates and charges. Within each rating category a minimum general rate applies to ensure that all owners contribute a minimum equitable amount towards the costs of delivering infrastructure and services.
Rate in the Dollar × Property Valuation = General Rate
Should you wish to object to your valuation, or have any query regarding the land valuation, its calculation or land use, please contact:
Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development
PO BOX 2286
NORTH IPSWICH QLD 4305
or by telephone to the district valuer on (07) 3330 4343.
To avoid accruing interest, it is important that you pay your rates as they are due, even if you are objecting to the valuation. If the valuation is changed as a result of the objection, an adjustment will be made at that time and back dated to the effective date advised by the Valuer-General.
What are the other charges on my rate notice?
Waste Management Utility Charge
In addition to funding the kerbside collection of general waste and recycling, the waste management utility charge helps pay for the operation and maintenance of landfills and waste transfer stations.
Environment Levy
All properties are levied this charge to fund services, facilities and activities within Council’s Pest Management Program.
State Emergency Services (SES) Levy
All properties are levied this charge to help pay for costs incurred by council associated with emergency management and SES services.
State Government Emergency Management Levy
With a few exceptions, all properties in Queensland are charged an Emergency Management Levy. Councils collect the levy on behalf of the Queensland Fire Department (QFD). The purpose of the levy is to support and sustain all emergency services offered by QFD.
Special Charges
Specific special rates are charged for services, facilities and activities that have an association with only specific properties within the region. Council’s special rates include:
- Rural Fire Levy
- Kennels Compliance Special Charge
- Poultry Farms Special Charge
- Extractive Industries Special Charge
- Food Premises Inspection Program Special Charges