Harmonised rate structure for QPRC

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Consultation has concluded

All NSW merged Councils are required to review their rates and create one, equitable, general rating structure.

As part of this process, we formed a 17-person community reference panel, made up of ratepayers from across the LGA and from each rating category (farmland, business, residential). The panel has recommended a rate structure which has become the basis of the preferred rate structure that has been endorsed by Council for comment from the community.

Council has undertaken a comprehensive process of review to consider the overall revenue strategy, and the approach taken has considered the following critical factors:

  • Long term revenue requirements to meet the financial sustainability criteria
  • Mix of revenue from rates, annual charges and user fees and charges
  • Relative similarities and differences in the current rating structures and how changes will impact ratepayers
  • The principles of equity, simplicity and efficiency for a new revenue strategy.

For a simple explanation of why we are seeking to create a harmonised rate structure and what it will mean for rates notices, watch a video with our Chief Finance Officer Kate Monaghan in the video library on the right (or below on a mobile device). Then take a look at the proposed rate structure, and read the Rates Harmonisation Fact Sheet and the Frequently Asked Questions which you can find in the document library on the right (or scroll down on a mobile device).

Council recognises that there are cases of genuine financial hardship requiring respect and compassion in special circumstances. Council has adopted a Financial Hardship Assistance Policy, which is also available in the document library.

All NSW properties in all council areas are revalued every three years and new 2019 land values will apply from July 2020. Note that the NSW Valuer General will mail out land valuation notices on 28 April, however you can look up your 2019 land value on their website at www.valuergeneral.nsw.gov.au/services/lvs.htm?execution=e3s1

Please note that this rates harmonisation process applies to the general rate. This process is not for the annual charges for water, sewer or waste services. Over the next 12 months, Council will continue to review its business plans and longer term financial plans for the Water, Sewer and Waste business and proposed changes will be discussed with the community.

We are specifically seeking feedback on whether the structure presented distributes the rate burden fairly across the local government area. Have your say below.

All NSW merged Councils are required to review their rates and create one, equitable, general rating structure.

As part of this process, we formed a 17-person community reference panel, made up of ratepayers from across the LGA and from each rating category (farmland, business, residential). The panel has recommended a rate structure which has become the basis of the preferred rate structure that has been endorsed by Council for comment from the community.

Council has undertaken a comprehensive process of review to consider the overall revenue strategy, and the approach taken has considered the following critical factors:

  • Long term revenue requirements to meet the financial sustainability criteria
  • Mix of revenue from rates, annual charges and user fees and charges
  • Relative similarities and differences in the current rating structures and how changes will impact ratepayers
  • The principles of equity, simplicity and efficiency for a new revenue strategy.

For a simple explanation of why we are seeking to create a harmonised rate structure and what it will mean for rates notices, watch a video with our Chief Finance Officer Kate Monaghan in the video library on the right (or below on a mobile device). Then take a look at the proposed rate structure, and read the Rates Harmonisation Fact Sheet and the Frequently Asked Questions which you can find in the document library on the right (or scroll down on a mobile device).

Council recognises that there are cases of genuine financial hardship requiring respect and compassion in special circumstances. Council has adopted a Financial Hardship Assistance Policy, which is also available in the document library.

All NSW properties in all council areas are revalued every three years and new 2019 land values will apply from July 2020. Note that the NSW Valuer General will mail out land valuation notices on 28 April, however you can look up your 2019 land value on their website at www.valuergeneral.nsw.gov.au/services/lvs.htm?execution=e3s1

Please note that this rates harmonisation process applies to the general rate. This process is not for the annual charges for water, sewer or waste services. Over the next 12 months, Council will continue to review its business plans and longer term financial plans for the Water, Sewer and Waste business and proposed changes will be discussed with the community.

We are specifically seeking feedback on whether the structure presented distributes the rate burden fairly across the local government area. Have your say below.