As part of the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) local government reforms, all local governments are required to adopt a short Rates and Revenue Policy.

The Policy will provide greater clarity for ratepayers by linking the cost of services and the maintenance of assets (such as roads and recreation facilities) to the setting of rates.

The purpose of a rating plan is for Council to consider how the City will fund its estimated budget deficiency each year. The plan provides details of the method by which the City informs its decisions about how it will raise revenue from properties within the local government area.

As part of the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) local government reforms, all local governments are required to adopt a short Rates and Revenue Policy.

The Policy will provide greater clarity for ratepayers by linking the cost of services and the maintenance of assets (such as roads and recreation facilities) to the setting of rates.

The purpose of a rating plan is to detail how the City generates income to fund services and maintain assets. It explains the various revenue sources, such as rates, service charges, grants, fees, and interest earnings, with rates being the largest contributor. The rating plan also presents data and a plan for a phased review of properties currently rated on unimproved value (UV) to address rating inequities.

The City has prepared a draft Rates and Revenue Plan 2025/2026 and seeks community comment prior to Council considering endorsement of the plan.

Please refer to the attached DRAFT Rates and Revenue Plan 2025/2026  prior to submitting your comments, paying particular attention to pages 9 – 15, which covers the proposed approach to the UV Rates Review and a phased five-year plan commencing in 2025.