Approximately half of Council’s total income comes from rates and charges. We use this money to help fund a whole range of facilities and services in Shellharbour City from parks and sportsfields to roads; libraries; health and safety; community events and youth services.

The total amount of rate money we collect each year is worked out based on State Government directions. How much you pay as an individual depends on the type of land you own.

In Shellharbour City there are three land categories: farmland, residential and business. Your rate category is shown on the front of your rate notice. If you don’t agree with your category you can apply to have it changed by contacting our Rates Department.
All rates are worked out using land value. The land value is determined by the NSW Valuer-General, not by Council.

A revaluation occurs at least once every three years. the latest revaluation was completed in December 2016 and has been used in the calculation of your 2018-2019 rates.

If your land has more than one use, for example, if you have a shop with a flat upstairs, your rate is worked out using a formula that takes both uses into account. If you fall into this category and need more information, feel free to contact our Rates Department.
Once your land value is worked out, it’s multiplied by a figure known as the “rate in the dollar”. If your land is residential, we also use what’s called a “base amount”.

The rate in the dollar is calculated by dividing 55 per cent of the total amount collected through residential rates, by the total land value of all residential properties in the city. Your share of this is based upon the valuation of your property.

As well as the rate in the dollar amount, the remaining 45 per cent of our residential rate income comes from a base amount and this charge is the same for all residential properties.

In other words, 45 per cent of all Council’s residential rate revenue is shared equally among all residential properties, regardless of their land value.

Properties that are formally heritage listed may be eligible for a reduction in rates. If you believe the land that you own should be Heritage Listed, you need to apply for Heritage Land Valuation through the Valuer General's Office. More information is available in the Heritage listed property information.

Every year the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal determines how much each Council can increase its total rate income. for 2018-19 Shellharbour City Council has increased the rates by the maximum rate peg of 2.3%.

The due date is listed on your notice. If you choose to pay by quarterly instalments, a reminder notice will be sent 30 days before each instalment is due.

By law, you will be charged interest if your rate instalment is not paid by the due date shown. The rate of interest is 7.5 per cent per annum.

If circumstances, such as financial hardship, prevent you from paying your rates by the due date shown, we will consider accepting alternative arrangements for payment.

If you have been issued with a Pensioner Concession Card or receive a War Widows or TPI Pension and reside at the rated property, you may be eligible for a rate rebate of up to $250.

Part rate rebates may apply to ratepayers who become eligible pensioners after the issue of the rates. Applications should be made in person at our Administration Centre.
If you receive a pension rebate, you will have until 31 May 2019 to pay your current rates and charges without incurring interest charges.

If there are any aspects of the rating system you are unsure about, please do not hesitate to contact our Rates Department on (02) 4221 6111.