Rates

How much you pay depends on the land value and the land usage (rating category).

Your land value

Land values are determined by the NSW Valuer-General. This valuation usually occurs every three years. The latest revaluation was completed 1 July 2019 and has been used in the calculation for your 2022/2023 rates. 

For more information regarding land valuation go to www.valuergeneral.nsw.gov.au or phone 1800 110 038.

Rating category

In Upper Hunter Shire there are four land categories: Residential, Business, Farmland and Mining. The category of your land is identified in the first entry of your rates notice. If you do not agree with your category, you can apply to have it reviewed.

Calculating your general rate

The 2022/2023 general rate is calculated under a base system which applies a fixed base amount plus a rate in the dollar calculated on the land value of the property.

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal NSW (IPART) determines the maximum percentage amount by which a council may increase its general rating income for the year. Councils have discretion to determine how to allocate the rate peg increase between the different ratepayer categories. IPART has set the 2022/2023 rate peg at 2.0%.

Your annual rates notice will itemise additional charges that are relevant to services provided to your property. These fees will cover costs of providing infrastructure, upkeep and treatment for each service. 

Hunter Catchment Contribution

Council collects contributions on behalf of the Local Lands Services through its rates. Funds collected are forwarded to the Authority to carry out catchment projects. The Local Land Services contribution for 2022/2023 is $0.00977 of a cent in the dollar of the land value. 

The revenue generated from this contribution enables the Catchment Authority to meet its legislative obligations under the Water Management Act 2000. 

Water 

The annual water access charge is based on the size of each water meter installed on the property. Water meter sizes are typically 20mm for residential.

A lower flat fee is charged to unconnected services on land within 225 metres of a water main which is capable of being connected.

Sewerage 

An annual sewerage fee is charged to cover the costs of maintaining and improving sewerage systems.

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 

Annual waste charges pay for your waste facilities,  kerbside bin collections and annual bulky waste collection if available in your area. 

The Waste Management Service Charge covers the cost of the pick-up and disposal of materials collected from kerbside waste, recycling and annual bulky clean-up.

Additional Waste Services 

For those ratepayers receiving an additional service a separate charge for this service will show on the annual rates notice. 

Stormwater 

In accordance with the Local Government Amendment (Stormwater) Act 2005. These funds are used for the development of appropriate stormwater management plans and projects over and above the average level previously funded from Council’s general funds. 

On-site Sewage Management 

This annual fee is for the approval to operate an On-site Sewage Management System. This covers the cost of one inspection, monitoring and maintaining records. Any further required inspections will be charged.