Why did Council raise rates?

Council’s rates for 2024-2025 were increased in line with the State Government’s rate cap of 2.75% (similar to that of neighbouring Councils). 

Every Council has different budget requirements for:  

• capital works  
• proposed works  
• ongoing costs to maintain services across the municipality. 

As such the rate base for each Council is different. 

The annual rates revaluation may have an effect on the overall percentage increase of your rates. This is due to either an increase or decrease in your property valuation when compared to the overall average increase of the municipality.  

If your property valuation increased and was greater than the municipal average then your rates may increase to a greater amount than the rate cap percentage, which is 2.75 per cent for 2024-2025. However, if your property valuation decreased, then your overall rates may be equal to the rate cap percentage. 

It’s also important to note that rate capping only applies to the general rate and the municipal charge. The rate cap does not apply to other charges such as waste bins.