Frequently asked questions about rates:
How are my rates calculated? Rates are calculated by multiplying either the Gross Rental Value (GRV), which is used for properties with predominantly a non-rural use, or the Unimproved Value (UV), which is used for all properties with predominantly a rural use, by the rate in the dollar. Rates are subject to a minimum payment, set each year by Council as part of its annual budget.
How does the Council decide on the rates in the dollar? This is decided when Council adopts the annual budget each year. Council determines the amount of revenue needed to meet the proposed budget requirements and sets the rate in the dollar.
Why is there a minimum payment? Council sets a minimum payment in conjunction with setting the rates in the dollar each year. This is to ensure that all ratepayers make a reasonable contribution to the cost of providing the works, services and facilities that are available to the community. The calculation to determine if a property is charged the minimum payment is when the GRV (or UV), multiplied by the applicable rate in the dollar, is less than the amount of the minimum payment. If this is the case, such properties are charged the minimum payment.
Who assesses the valuations on which rates are based? Landgate Valuation Services (Valuer General’s Office) provides valuations for every property within each local government area – a GRV or a UV. A Gross Rental Revaluation occurs once every 5 Years, the next Revaluation is effective 1 July 2025. Valuations for UV properties are supplied annually by the Valuer General’s Office through Landgate Valuation Services.
What do I do if I think the valuation of my property is incorrect or too high? If a ratepayer believes their property has been incorrectly valued they may lodge an objection with the Landgate Valuation Services. All enquiries to: vs@landgate.wa.gov.au, call 08 9273 7373, or visit Landgate’s website at www.landgate.wa.gov.au.
The assessment of rates is based on an equitably assessed value provided by the Valuer-General, Landgate. Under the Valuation of Land Act 1978 any person liable to pay any rate assessed in respect of land (for local government rates, the owner) including the authorised representative of such a person may object to the value used as a base and may serve upon the Valuer-General a written objection to the valuation, within 60 days after the date of the issue of this rate assessment.
If an objection is lodged the account is still required to be paid in full by the due date or by the instalment options.
If an objection is lodged the account is still required to be paid in full by the due date or by the instalment options.
If the valuation is amended an interim rate notice will be issued showing any adjustments and a refund will be made.
I am a pensioner. Can I get a concession on my rates account? Provided pensioners meet the eligibility criteria, they will be entitled to claim a rebate of up to 50% of their current year’s rates which is capped to an annual maximum amount by the State Government and ESL. Pensioners may defer payment of those rates and ESL charges.
For an immediate application to register for a concession, eligible ratepayers should contact the Water Corporation on 1300 659 951 or go to www.watercorporation.com.au
Holders of a Commonwealth Seniors health Card and the WA Seniors Card receive the same rebate as pensioners. Seniors who hold only the WA Seniors Card receive a rebate of up to 25% off rates and the ESL, which is capped to an annual maximum amount by the State Government. Seniors cannot defer payment of rates and ESL.
More Rates Frequently Asked Questions
Emergency Services Levy Information 2023/2024
Payment options:
If you are unable to make payment by any of the options below, please contact the Rates Officer on (08) 9839 0000 or email rates@ravensthorpe.wa.gov.au to discuss an alternative payment arrangement.
BPAY
If your financial institution is registered with BPAY you can make payment directly from your cheque, savings or credit card account.
Biller Code: 205-187
Payment Reference Number: Please refer to the bottom of your rates notice for this. Ensure you use all the numbers and no spaces are allowed.
Please note that each property has its own individual Payment Reference Number.
BY MAIL
Cheques should be written for the exact amount and made payable to the Shire of Ravensthorpe.
Our mailing address is:
Shire of Ravensthorpe
PO Box 43
Ravensthorpe WA 6346
Please allow a few days for payments by mail to reach us. Receipts can be issued upon request.
IN PERSON
Payment can be made in person by cash, cheque, money order or EFTPOS at either of the Shire of Ravensthorpe offices.
TELEPHONE
Call the Shire of Ravensthorpe on (08) 9839 0000 during office hours 9:00am – 4:00pm Monday to Friday to pay with credit card.
Please be aware of the 1.5% surcharge fee applicable for these payments.
Change of address
If you need to change your address please use this form and either drop it off in person at either of our offices in Hopetoun or Ravensthorpe, or email to rates@ravensthorpe.wa.gov.au