Your rates help deliver the services, facilities and infrastructure that support everyday life in the Shire.

This page explains how rates are set, what influences what you pay, and what the Shire can and cannot control.

Quick guide to your rates

  • Rates fund local services like roads, parks, waste collection and community facilities
  • Your rates are based on your property’s value, which is set by the State Government
  • Council sets the rate in the dollar each year to fund services across the community
  • Your rates amount = property valuation × rate in the dollar
  • Changes to your rates can be caused by valuation updates or budget decisions
  • The Shire cannot control property valuations or State Government charges
  • Support is available if you’re experiencing difficulty paying your rates

Why you pay rates

Rates are the Shire’s main source of revenue. They fund services and infrastructure that benefit the whole community, including:

  • Local roads, footpaths and drainage
  • Parks, reserves and public spaces
  • Waste and recycling services
  • Libraries, community facilities and recreation centres
  • Community safety and emergency support services
  • Planning, building and environmental services

These services are provided across the entire Shire and are maintained and improved over time to support a growing community.

How your rates are calculated

Your rates are calculated using a simple formula. Understanding each step will help explain what you pay and why.

   

Why rates vary between properties

Rates are not the same for every property.

This is because:

  • Property values differ across the Shire
  • Higher-valued properties represent a larger share of the total rate base

As a result, properties with higher valuations generally pay more, while lower-valued properties pay less.

This year is a property revaluation year which means that Landgate provides updated property valuations which are used to calculate rates. Individual rates may vary where your property value has changed.

GRV applies to residential properties whilst UV applies to land used predominantly for rural purposes (e.g. commercial farming).

Revaluation and interim rates

When a new valuation is received from the Valuer General, the Shire applies the updated valuation to the property and adjusts the rates levied accordingly. Some of the main reasons for changes include: 

  • Completion of a new building or structure
  • Alteration, addition or demolition of an existing building or structure
  • Variation to land due to amalgamation subdivision or strata title
  • An error in valuation or rating of a property
  • Subsequent revaluation of a property. 

Values are assessed on the basis of the annual rental income potential (GRV) of each residence which is reviewed every three years by the Valuer General's Office, or on the Unimproved Value (UV) of the land which is reviewed annually. This year is a revaluation year for GRV rated properties.

What influences your rates each year

Your rates may change from year to year for a range of reasons, including:

  • Changes to your property valuation (set by the State Government)
  • Council’s annual budget and service requirements
  • Cost increases for infrastructure, materials and service delivery
  • Population growth and demand for community services

Each year, Council carefully considers these factors when setting the budget.

What the Shire can and cannot control

Understanding this helps explain how rates are set and where decisions are made.

What the Shire can control

What the Shire cannot control

The total revenue required through the annual budget

Property valuations (set independently by the State Government)

How funds are allocated across services, projects and infrastructure

State Government charges included on your rates notice

The rate in the dollar applied to properties

External cost increases, such as construction, utilities and fuel

The Shire works within these constraints to deliver services in a responsible and sustainable way.

Other charges on your rates notice

Your rates notice may include additional charges alongside your general rates.

The Emergency Services Levy (ESL) is a State Government charge applicable to all properties in Western Australia, which is invoiced and collected by local governments on behalf of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).

The ESL provides the majority of funding required for Career and Volunteer Fire and Emergency Service Brigades, DFES Multi-function Brigades/Units, Bush Fire Brigades and State Emergency Service Units.

The amount of ESL to be collected and the applicable rates and charging parameters are declared annually by the Minister for Emergency Services.

For more information, please visit the Department of Fire and Emergency Services website or call 1300 136 099.

The standard rubbish service is one fee which covers costs for a standard general waste bin, a recycling bin, a FOGO bin, a waste transfer station pass and bulk verge rubbish collection.

The service has been listed as one fee to simplify waste charges and is reflective of full cost recovery.

Residents without a waste bin service have different arrangements in place. Waste charges do not qualify for the State Government rebate.

The annual fee per swimming pool/spa barrier inspection is $35.00.

State Government legislation requires the Shire to physically inspect the safety barriers for all private swimming pools and spas to ensure compliance with safety standards, once every four years.

The fee charged to property owners covers this requirement.

If your pool or spa has been removed from your property, please contact the Shire to ensure this charge is adjusted.

Supporting the community

We understand that paying rates can sometimes be challenging. If you are experiencing difficulty:

  • Flexible payment plans are available
  • Concessions or rebates may apply for eligible residents
  • Early contact with the Shire is encouraged

Our team is here to work with you to find a suitable solution.

Frequently asked questions

Why have my rates changed this year?

Your rates may change due to updates to your property valuation, changes to Council’s budget, or rising costs of providing services. This year is a property revaluation year which means that Landgate provides updated property valuations which are used to calculate rates. Individual rates may vary where your property value has changed.

Can I appeal my property valuation?

Yes, property valuations can be appealed by lodging an objection to the Valuer General.

An objection to the Valuer General must be made within 60 days from the date of issue of your Annual Rate Notice or Interim Rates Notice. You must still pay the required amount on your Rate Notice while your objection is being reviewed.

More information is available on Landgate’s website.

Are my rates based on the services I personally use?

No. Rates fund services across the entire community, not individual usage. This ensures all residents have access to shared infrastructure and services.

Who decides how much the Shire collects in rates?

Council sets the overall budget and determines the rate in the dollar each year through the annual budget process.

Where can I get help understanding my rates notice?

If you have questions about your rates notice, you can contact the Shire directly for assistance and clarification.

More information and contact

If you have any questions about your rates notice, please contact us.

Contact the Shire

7000 Great Eastern Highway
Mundaring WA 6073

Monday to Friday – 9am to 4.30pm

08 9290 6666

shire@mundaring.wa.gov.au