General Rate
Bundaberg Regional Council is required by law to levy a general rate or differential general rate on every rateable property each financial year. Council uses a differential rating scheme to calculate properties’ general rate.
This is a fair and equitable way of charging according to land use.
General rates are for services, facilities and activities that are supplied or undertaken for the benefit of the community. Council is required to raise an appropriate amount of revenue to maintain assets and provide services to the region as a whole.
The value of your property, along with the main or primary land use, is the basis for the calculation of the general rate. The Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy (DNRME) sets the rateable value and land use. For valuation enquiries contact
DNRME.
Please refer to the Rates Statement for a listing of the land use codes used by Council.
There are 12 categories in Bundaberg Regional Council set in the
2018/2019 budget. Every property is allocated into one of these categories. Each category has a cents in the dollar rate and a minimum general rate.
General rates are calculated by multiplying the rateable value of a property by the category’s ‘cents in the dollar rate’. The minimum charge applies when the resulting amount falls below the set minimum general rate for the category.
A summary of Council’s differential general rates is in the Revenue Statement contained in the
budget document.
Council Charges
Below is a list of all Council charges that can be included in a rate notice. Not all charges are applicable to everyone.
| Water Access Charge | Water Consumption Charge
|
| Sewerage Charge | Waste Collection Charge |
| Rural Fire Special Charge | Trade Waste Charges |
| Community and Environment Charge | |
For detailed information on each of these charges, head to the Council charges page.
Council charges information
State Government Emergency Management Levy
The State Government Emergency Management Levy is collected on behalf of Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES).
All rateable properties within Bundaberg Regional Council must pay the levy. The amount of the levy is dependent upon factors such as the use made of the land, the size and nature of any improvements on the property and the location.
This charge is not a Council charge and the revenue is sent to the State Government. Council rates discount do not apply to this State Government charge.
Lodging an Objection to your rating category
If you believe your general rate category is incorrect you can object by completing an Objection to General Rate Category Form.
If you lodge an objection the rates and charges must still be paid by the due date. If the category is changed because of the objection, council will adjust the rates and advise you in writing.
Discount
Discount will only be applied for ratepayers who pay their rates in full, including any arrears by the due date shown on your rate notice.
The 10% discount applies to the General Rate only (excluding Council’s Pension Remission which is not a payment).
Ratepayers who pay by the due date need only pay the discounted amount listed on their rate notice.
Debt recovery
Interest at the rate of 11% per annum, calculated on daily rests, will be charged on unpaid rates after the due date shown on your rate notice.
Council will take steps to ensure outstanding rates are recovered.
If you find you are unable to pay your rates and you do not make contact with Council to arrange a suitable payment plan, or if your address is not updated which results in the non-payment of your rates, Council may refer your debt to its debt recovery specialist, which may result in legal action.
If you're having trouble paying your rates, please contact our debt recovery team on 1300 883 699.
If you have recently moved, ensure you have updated your details on our change of address form.
Water Leaks
Water usage is the responsibility of the ratepayer. Council may offer relief to ratepayers who experience an undetectable water leak on their property which results in an increase in their water consumption charges.
Applicants will only be eligible for water leak relief if they comply with criteria in terms of Council’s Water Leak Relief Policy.
A Water Leak Relief Application must also be completed. Refer to our water frequently asked questions for more information.
For more information head to our water frequently asked questions page.
