General Queries

Can another person obtain any information from Council in regard to my property?

To enable Council to provide any information on your property, we require an Authority to Appoint an Agent form to be completed by the property owner appointing their agent/s. A copy of the form can be obtained on the Council website or Customer Service Centre.

Your information can also be supplied through a rate search. The rate search will include your name, property address, residential address, total rates and charges outstanding, land area and valuation. This rate search can only by supplied if it has been paid for.

I have only just purchased my new property, am I expected to pay the rate notice issued?

Yes, normally any new or unpaid rates owing on a property before purchase should have been adjusted in the settlement figures. You may care to check your settlement documents provided to you by your Solicitor or confirm with your Solicitor the nature of the rate adjustment made upon settlement.

I have only just purchased my new property, am I expected to pay the extra because the previous owner was a pensioner?

Yes, only pensioners can get subsidies on their rates. These subsidies are given for the full 6 month rating period, but are only applicable while a pensioner owns the property. Once they sell the property, Council must be paid back for the amount of the subsidy that no longer applies.

I've just purchased a property from a new subdivision/Developer. My Solicitor did a rate adjustment at settlement. Why am I paying additional general rates?

Subdivision Developers are entitled to a 40% discount on the land valuation used to calculate the General Rates for the property. This discounted valuation only applies until the land is either sold or a structure is built on the land. Once this occurs, Council must be paid back for the amount of the discount that no longer applies.

This information is also supplied to your Solicitor in any rate search completed.

What subsidies can I get on my rates?

We offer discounts for early payment and pensioners may also be entitled to subsidies, see Discounts & Subsidies page for further information.