Your Council rates help fund essential local services and infrastructure across Shellharbour.
What your rates pay for
Approximately half of our total income comes from rates and charges. We use this money to help fund a whole range of facilities and services in our city, from parks and sports fields to roads, libraries, health and safety, community events and youth services.
How rates are calculated
The total amount of rate income that council can raise from rates and charges is limited by the rate peg percentage, determined on an annual basis by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART). 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 on (02) 4221 6111 or by emailing council@shellharbour.nsw.gov.au.
All rates are calculated using the land value of the property. The land value is determined by the NSW Valuer General. Any queries regarding your land value should be directed to the NSW Valuer General.
The Valuer General issues new land values to council to use in levying rates every three years. The land valuation’s that are currently being used to levy rates for the 2026/2027 rating year aim to reflect the market value of the land only as at 1 July 2025 (the base date).
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. Once your land value is worked out, it’s multiplied by a figure known as the “rate in the dollar”. If your property is residential, a “base amount” is also included.
The rate in the dollar is calculated by dividing 55% of the total amount collected through residential rates, by the total land value of all residential properties in the Shellharbour Local Government Area. Your share of this is based upon the valuation of your property.
As well as the rate in the dollar amount, the remaining 45% of our residential rates income comes from a base amount. This charge is the same for all residential properties.
Understanding your rates notice
Your rates notice includes:
- Total amount due
- Instalment amounts and due dates
- Payble - payment in full, quarterly or set up a flexible payment plan
- BPAY and payment reference details
Rates can be paid:
- In full, or
- In quarterly instalments
weekly, fortnightly, monthly or quarterly payments using Payble
Due dates are listed on your rates notice.
Still have questions? View our FAQs.