Land Rates

How Rates are Calculated

Rates and charges are levied for the general fund, water and sewer charges and the domestic waste charge; these are the funds that are paid directly to Council. In addition to this, a catchment contribution levy is charged, which is collected on behalf of the Local Land Services.

General fund rates consist of a base amount charged on each property within the rating categories. In addition to this a rate levy based on the land valuation of the property is also charged. The base amount and this ad valorem rate varies between the categories.

The water availability charge levied on the rate notice allows access to Council’s water reticulation system. This charge varies depending on the size of the water meter installed on the property. This charge is for the water availability only and all usage is charged separately.

For residential properties a flat charge is levied on all properties able to be connected to the sewage system.

For non-residential properties connected to the system no charges are included on the rates notice and sewer charges are levied in accordance with water usage, meter size and type of business. These sewage charges are levied in conjunction with the water usage accounts.

Land Valuation

For any information regarding your land valuation visit the Valuer General’s website.

Sale of Land

Should the land to which your rates notice refers to be sold, the prescribed notice must be given within one month to the Council and Valuer General.

Categorisation of Property

Section 514 of the Local Government Act 1993 requires all rateable land to be placed in one of the following categories;

• Residential
• Business
• Farmland
• Mining

This categorisation is based on the dominant use of the land and the further definitions set out in sections 515, 516, 517, 518 and 519 of the Local Government Act 1993.

Legislation

Council is required to advise ratepayers of the provisions of the following sections of the Local Government Act 1993.

• Section 524 Notice of change of category
• Section 525 Application for change of category
• Section 526 Appeal against declaration of category
• Section 556 What land is exempt from all rates?
• Section 564 Agreement as to periodical payment of rates and charges
• Section 524 What land is exempt from all rates, other than water supply special rates and sewage special rates?
• Section 557 What land is exempt from water supply special rates and sewage special rates?
• Section 562 Payment of rates and annual charges
• Section 566 Accrual of interest on overdue rates and charges
• Section 567 Writing off of accrued interest
• Section 574 Appeal on question of whether land is rateable or subject to a charge

Do You Have More Questions?

If you have any further questions visit the Frequently asked questions page on the Office of Local Government website.

Water Usage Charges

Water meters in Muswellbrook Shire are read three times per year in August, December and April. Accounts can be expected between four to six weeks after the reading.

Water usage charges 2024/2025 financial year

Water users are charged in accordance with the usage recorded through their water meters.

Residential users

Calculation of residential water usage accounts are based on a two-step tariff. The first 350 kilolitres consumed in the financial year are charged at $2.80 per kilolitre. Each kilolitre used over 350 kilolitres will be charged at $3.95 per kilolitre.

Non-residential users

Non-residential water usage accounts are calculated using a one-step charge of $3.80 per kilolitre.