Rates Frequently Asked Questions
How are my rates calculated?
Your rates are based on your property’s land value, category and Council’s annual rate.
What happens if I miss a payment?
By law, you will be charged interest if your rates instalment is not paid by the due date shown. The rate of interest is 9.5% per annum for 2026/2027. If you are having trouble paying, support options are available.
When are rates due?
Rates are levied each year for the period of 1 July to 30 June. You will receive an annual rates notice and then instalment notices four times a year, unless you pay for the year by the first due date – 31 August.
Rates are paid in 4 instalments as required by s167(1) & (2) of the Local Government Act 1989. Instalment amounts and their due dates for payment are listed on the front page of your rates notice.
You will receive a reminder before each instalment is due. If your instalments are not paid on time, you may be charged interest.
Instalment | Due Date |
1st Instalment | 31 August |
2nd Instalment | 30 November |
3rd Instalment | 28 February |
4th Instalment | 31 May |
How do I update my details?
If you have recently changed address, please complete and return a change of address application form.
Alternatively, you can email council@shellharbour.nsw.gov.au with your full name, the ownership details, the property address, and the new postal address .
Can I receive my rates by email?
Yes. This is a faster, more efficient delivery of your statement with less impact on the environment. Register now.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes. Rates can be paid in quarterly instalments or in full. You can also set up a payment plan through Payble.
What payment methods are available?
Pay online with Payble for the most flexibility.
Set up payment plans, manage your preferences and make secure payments online.
You can also pay via BPAY, Australia Post, in person or by mail.
View payment options
Will rates change?
The total amount of income that a council can raise from rates is limited by the rate peg percentage.
The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal determines the rate peg that will apply to each Council. For 2026/2027 Shellharbour City Council has been given approval to increase total rate income by a maximum rate peg amount of 4.3%.
Who sets my land value?
The land value is determined by the NSW Valuer General, not Council.
The NSW Valuer General provides these valuations for Councils to use when assessing rates. Council cannot amend these land valuations and must rely on the valuations supplied by the Valuer General. Any queries regarding your land value should be directed to the NSW Valuer General.
How will a revaluation affect my rates?
There is a common misunderstanding that increased property valuations will result in increased income from rates for councils. This is not the case.
In a rating year where land valuations remain unchanged, the rates levied on each property will increase by the rate peg percentage.
In a rating year where a revaluation occurs, changes in the rates levied on individual properties will depend on their respective land value. Some rates will increase, some will decrease and some may stay the same.
Council's income from rates however will only increase by the rate peg percentage.
For further information, questions or concerns regarding your land valuation, please contact the NSW Valuer General. Details are printed on the back of your rates notice.
Do heritage properties receive a reduction?
Some heritage-listed properties may be eligible for a reduction. Applications are managed through the NSW Valuer General.
Payble Frequently Asked Questions
What is Payble?
Payble is Council's new rates payment platform. It provides a simple and secure way to pay and manage your rates, with more flexibility over when and how you make payments.
Why is Council introducing Payble?
Council is introducing Payble to make paying rates easier and more flexible. The platform offers additional payment options and greater control over payment schedules to help customers manage their rates in a way that suits them.
What are the benefits of Payble?
With Payble you can:
- Choose your payment frequency, including weekly, fortnightly, monthly or quarterly payments
- Select a payment day that suits you
- Pay by bank account or credit/debit card
- View the amount required to pay your rates balance by the due date
- Manage your payment preferences online
How do I get started?
Simply scan the QR code on your rates notice and follow the prompts to set up your payment arrangement.
Do I have to use Payble?
No. Payble is an additional payment option available to ratepayers. Existing payment methods will continue to be available unless otherwise advised by Council.
I currently pay by direct debit. What do I need to do?
Existing direct debit customers will need to transition to the new system. Council will contact affected customers directly with information about what action is required and when.
Will my current direct debit automatically transfer to Payble?
Yes. Existing direct debit arrangements will automatically transfer. Customers currently paying by direct debit will receive instructions on how to register with Payble.
Can I change my payment frequency?
Yes. You can choose the payment frequency that best suits your circumstances, including weekly, fortnightly, monthly or quarterly payments.
Can I change my payment date?
Yes. Payble allows you to select a payment day that works for you.
Can I pay using a credit or debit card?
Yes. Payments can be made using a bank account or a credit/debit card.
Can I pay using a credit or debit card?
Yes. Payments can be made using a bank account or a credit/debit card.
Is Payble secure?
Yes. Payble uses secure payment technology to protect your personal and financial information.
Will I receive reminders about upcoming payments?
Customers may choose to receive reminders and notifications about upcoming payments. Further details will be provided during the setup process.
What happens if I miss a payment?
If you miss a payment, you should log in to your Payble account or contact Council as soon as possible to discuss your options.
Where can I get help?
If you need assistance setting up or managing your payments, please contact Council's Customer Service team on 02 42216111 or visit our Rebates & Assistance page.