Rate Categories and Utility Groups

General Rate Categories

Property Valuations

The land valuation used for general rates is provided by the Queensland Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy, as is the Land Use Code.  Contact the Department on 13 QGOV (13 74 68) if you have a question on the 'land use definition' and/or the land valuation applied to a rateable assessment.

Differential General Rate Categories

Every rateable assessment is allocated a differential rate category, for the purpose of calculating the General Rate Levy.  The definition is influenced by a number of factors such as the land use, location, size and valuation.  Categories are printed in the 'Description Column' on the rate notice immediately under the General Rates.

There are 23 differential rate categories.  All differential categories have a unique description, and are allocated a 'rate in the dollar' and a 'minimum general levy' once each year at Council's budget meeting. 

General Rate Levies are calculated based on the (valuation x 'rate in the dollar') or the (minimum for the differential category), depending on which is the greatest.  To see a full listing of the general rate categories, definitions and 'rate in the dollar' please refer to pages 2-15 of the 2019/20 Revenue Statement.

Utility Rating Group Definitions

Every rateable assessment is allocated a Utility Rating Group for the purpose of calculating Service Levies, where applicable.  Utility Rating Groups vary between residential and commercial in most circumstances, and are further based on location.

Utility Groups are printed on the top right hand side of the Rate Notice.

Council has 8 Utility Rating Groups which may be viewed on page 5 of the 2019/20 Revenue Statement.

Utility Services

Utility Charges apply for the following services:

  • Sewerage
  • Waste Collection
  • Water
  • Landfill Management

Utility Policy and Charges

Policy and unit charges supporting Utility Levies are adopted once each year at Council's Original Budget Meeting.  The utility charges are categorised in the 2019/20 Revenue Statement as follows:

  • Utility Groups 31 - 32, Sewerage & Waste
  • Utility Groups 31 - 39, Regional Water
  • Utility Groups 34 - 39, Sewerage & Waste

To view or print the policy and unit charges, go to pages 7-14 of the 2019/20 Revenue Statement.

Emergency Management Levy

Council is a collection agency only for the Emergency Management Levy, applicable on improved and vacant land.  All levies collected by councils throughout Queensland are forwarded to the State Government.  Premises are levied in accordance with the approved schedules, as issued annually by the Queensland Department of Community Safety. 

Questions on the Emergency Management Levy

Telephone:  07 3635 3041

Mail:
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services
GPO Box 1425
BRISBANE   QLD   4001

Website: www.qfes.qld.gov.au

Interest on Rate Arrears

Rates and Charges which are unpaid as at the due date will incur interest at 11%, being the percentage rate adopted at Council's budget meeting, unless an interest free instalment arrangement has been applied for and approved, prior to the due date.