The City is in the final year of its rates harmonisation process which begun in 2018 in an effort to streamline and reduced the City’s rate categories, while ensuring that all rateable properties are being rated fairly and equitably. The City has undertaken the harmonisation process gradually to ensure that any properties impacted financially will transition over time and not receive a significant financial burden in any one year.
This year the Improved Residential and Improved Special Residential categories will be harmonised into Improved Residential and the Vacant Residential and Vacant Non-Residential categories will be harmonised into Vacant.
Mayor Carol Adams invited residents to take the opportunity to have their say on the differential rating categories which form part of the complex equation for determining the rates payable for each individual property.
“The Council works diligently to try and keep rate increases at a minimum, despite being subject to the same cost increase impacting our local community. However, we are pleased that with the continued effort to find efficiencies in the organisation, we have been able to keep the increase below inflation rates while still maintaining the required level of service,” Mayor Adams said.
“While the rates are proposed to increase by an average of 3.95 per cent this year the Council has still managed to keep the increase below the current Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures of 7.8% for the December quarter and below the Local Government Cost Index (LGCI) which is forecast at 4.5% for June 2023.
“The City provides a number of rate payment options from online payments, to direct debit or instalment plans. We also have a hardship policy to support those in our community who may be going through a tough time. The City is committed to working with its ratepayers to find a solution that meets their needs. Any ratepayer in need of assistance is encouraged to contact our friendly rates team on 9439 0200 or email rates@kwinana.wa.gov.au,’ she said.
The City’s rates are based on its Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP), adopted in December 2021, which forecast an increase of three per cent. However, the forecast was based on assumptions including economic forecast, CPI increases, and the LGCI.
These have all seen inflation higher than predicted resulting in the proposed increase being slightly higher than the LTFP. 2023 is also a revaluation year with Landgate undertaking a gross rental valuation assessment of all properties in the City of Kwinana and determining a 26.18 per cent increase on residential properties.
Ratepayers wanting to have their say on the City’s differential rates, and to view the statement of objects and reasons, can do so from Monday, 1 May 2023 at www.lovemykwinana.com/rates2023-2024. To find out more information about rates visit the City’s website at www.kwinana.wa.gov.au/rates.