The Basis of Rating review looks at how general rates are distributed across different types of properties. It does not change how much total revenue Council collects, and it does not affect charges such as waste, CWMS, Waste Collection, or the Landscape Levy.

The review aims to determine whether general rates are currently shared in a way that is fair, equitable, and sustainable for the community.

Council last conducted a full rating review over 10 years ago. Since then, there have been significant changes, including:

• Shifts in land use and new developments
• Changes in property values
• Evolving community expectations
• Concerns that some property types may not be contributing fairly

The review will help Council:

• Ensure rates are distributed fairly across land uses
• Align rating practices with principles like capacity to pay and benefits received
• Improve transparency and consistency
• Provide a clear and defensible approach to rate distribution

Differential rates allow Council to apply different rates depending on how land is used (e.g. Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Primary Production, Vacant Land).

Residential properties are the base rate (100%)

Different land uses:

• Place varying demands on infrastructure
• Receive different levels of benefit from council services
• Have differing capacities to pay

This approach is allowed under the Local Government Act 1999.

Council is proposing:

• A fixed charge set at 25% of total general rate revenue
• Adjustments to differential rates across property types

The fixed charge ensures all ratepayers contribute toward core council services, balancing:

• The benefit principle (everyone benefits from services)
• Capacity to pay (based on property value)

Over a 5-year period:

• Commercial & Industrial: decrease from 192% to 170%
• Primary Production: decrease from 141% to 120%
• Vacant Land: increase from 266% to 300% (applied in year 1)
• Residential & Other: remain at 100%

No. These changes only redistribute how general rates are shared - they do not increase the total amount collected.

Phasing changes over 5 years:

• Reduces sudden financial impacts (“rate shock”)
• Makes adjustments more manageable for ratepayers
• Provides a smoother transition

By year 5:

• Most Residential properties will see a modest increase
• Commercial & Industrial properties will see a moderate decrease
• Primary Production properties will see a significant decrease
• Vacant Land will see an increase to discourage long-term land banking