Rates

Your rate amount is based on two main factors: the value of your land and how your land is used (its rating category).

Your land value

Land values are set by the NSW Valuer-General, usually every three years. The most recent valuation was done on 1 July 2022 and is used to calculate your rates for 2023/2024.

For more information on how land is valued, you can:

• Visit www.valuergeneral.nsw.gov.au
• Or call 1800 110 038

Rating category

In the Upper Hunter Shire, land is categorised into four groups: Residential, Business, Farmland, and Mining. Your land's category is listed in the first entry of your rates notice. If you think the category is incorrect, you can request a review.

How General Rates are Calculated

The general rate for 2023/2024 is based on a fixed amount plus a variable amount, which depends on your land's value.

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal NSW (IPART) sets a limit on how much Council can increase general rate income each year. For 2023/2024, this limit is set at 3.7%. Councils can choose how to distribute this increase among different ratepayer categories.

Your annual rates notice includes various additional charges for services linked to your property. These charges contribute to infrastructure maintenance and service provision.

Hunter Catchment Contribution

Council collects a Hunter Catchment Contribution on behalf of Local Land Services. This amount, based on a fraction of your land's value, goes toward funding catchment projects. The 2022/2023 contribution is set at $0.00977 per dollar of land value. The revenue helps the Catchment Authority fulfil its obligations under the Water Management Act 2000.

Water Access Charge

Your annual water charge is determined by the size of the water meter on your property. For most residential properties, the meter size is typically 20mm. An alternative lower fee applies for unconnected services on land that is within 225 metres of a connectable water main.

Sewerage Fees

An annual sewerage fee is charged for sewer system maintenance and improvements. A lower fee applies for unconnected services on land within 75 metres of a connectable sewer main. A lower flat fee is charged to unconnected services on land within 75 metres of a sewer main which is capable of being connected.

Waste Management 

Your annual waste management charges cover the costs of waste facilities, kerbside bin collections, and bulky waste collection services where available. The fee encompasses costs for waste pick-up, recycling, and annual bulky clean-ups.

Additional Waste Services 

If you're availing additional waste services, a separate line item for this will appear on your annual rates notice.

Stormwater Management

Funds for stormwater management are collected in line with the Local Government Amendment (Stormwater) Act 2005. These monies are allocated to enhance stormwater management projects and planning, beyond what is covered by Council’s general funds.

On-site Sewage Management 

An annual fee is charged for the operational approval of On-site Sewage Management Systems. This fee covers one inspection and record-keeping. Extra inspections will incur additional charges.