What are Rates? Rates are a tax levied on all rateable properties within the boundaries of the City of Kwinana in accordance with the Local Government Act 1995.
The overall objective of the proposed rates in the 2026/2027 Budget is to provide for the net funding requirements of the City’s services, activities, financing costs and the current and future capital requirements of the City, after taking into account all other forms of revenue. The formulation of a rating system is about achieving a means by which Council can raise sufficient revenue to pay for the services it provides.
Local Governments calculates the rates to be paid on your individual property by using the following formula: property valuation x rate in the dollar (RiD) = rate payable. The property valuation is determined by the Landgate division of the State Government, by determining the values of the total properties in the City of Kwinana.
The rate in the dollar is then calculated by the City, by working out how much it will cost to run services and provide support to the community and dividing that overall amount by the amount of ‘rateable properties’ in Kwinana.
Rate increases are based on number of complex and internal and external factors. Council is aware of the ongoing cost of living pressures affecting many households. Council understands that rising household expenses can place significant strain on residents, and this has been an important consideration throughout the budget development process.
The City makes a concerted effort to reduce costs wherever possible to minimise the impact on the ratepayers but without reducing the level of services. However, local governments are also subject to inflationary pressures. The rate increase of 4.75%is based on the LGCI of 3.1% (adjusted to 3.3% following ACIL Allen scenario modelling for commodity price impacts) plus 1.46% to fund the $10.8 million loan for the Recquatic Centre Refurbishment. The City continuously reviews budgets and long-term financial plans to ensure adequate service levels while maintaining long-term financial sustainability.
Further, in developing the 2026/2027 budget, the City has identified $412,000 in efficiencies that will be transferred to the asset management reserve to ensure funding for asset renewal without affecting service levels.
Throughout Western Australia, the basis of using property valuations has been found to be the most appropriate means of achieving rating equity; however, the achievement of a wholly equitable rating system for all properties, in all areas, is a difficult task if it is based on the property valuations alone. For this reason, there are refinement options made available, such as differential rating, that the City of Kwinana has elected to use. Differential rating allows a Council to impose differential general rates according to any or a combination of the following characteristics:
- the purpose for which the land is zoned, whether or not under a local
- planning scheme or improvement scheme in force under the Planning and Development Act 2005; or
- a purpose for which the land is held or used as determined by the local government; or
- whether or not the land is vacant land; or
- any other characteristic or combination of characteristics prescribed.
Under the provisions of the Local Government Act 1995, when a person sells or disposes of land, the owner/agent must advise the City in writing, within 21 days of the change in ownership, giving full details of the purchaser.
Yes, If you are having issues in paying the rates from the payment options available on rates notice please contact us on 08 9439 0200.
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 08 9439 0200 or email rates@kwinana.wa.gov.au
Yes, you can. We encourage ratepayers to register for eRates. This will ensure that you will no longer receive a mailed paper copy of your rate or instalment notices.
Please let us know promptly, in writing, of any changes to your contact details. Property owners must make sure that the City has the correct address and contact details for the service of notices
To update your contact details, please complete Click Here
If you believe your property has been incorrectly valued you may lodge an objection with Landgate Valuation Services within 60 days after the date of issue of the rate notice.
Landgate can be contacted on 08 9273 7373, or visit the Landgate website
If an objection is lodged the rate account is still required to be paid in full by the due date or by the instalment option. If a valuation is amended an interim rate notice will be issued showing any adjustments and a refund made if applicable.
The Emergency Services Levy (ESL) is collected by local government on behalf of the State Government Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) by including the levy on local government rate notices.
The levy is to fund Western Australia’s fire and emergency services, including all career fire stations, volunteer fire brigades, State Emergency Services (SES) units, Volunteer Marine Rescue Service and multi-purpose volunteer emergency units.
Emergency Services Levy for a Safer State
For more information about the ESL, visit the DFES website.
State Government legislation requires that all private swimming pool enclosures must be inspected at least every 4 years. The City will charge a fee of $68.00 for the initial inspection which includes the issue of a certificate of compliance and an annual fee is charged to relevant property owner/s for the ongoing inspection costs.