Rate payers have the choice between paying in full by the 31 August or in accordance with the quarterly instalment program. If you choose to pay your council rates by quarterly instalment, use the quarterly instalment calendar to check when your next instalment will be due. Your instalment notice will be sent to you one month in advance.
Quarterly Instalment Dates
| Instalment | Due Date |
|---|---|
| First | 31 August 2025 |
| Second | 30 November 2025 |
| Third | 28 February 2026 |
| Fourth | 31 May 2026 |
Switch to eNotices
Get your rates and instalment notices delivered striaight to your inbox. It’s faster, more convenient, and environmentally friendly.
What you’ll need:
- A valid mobile phone number
- A valid email address
- Your unique eNotice Reference Number (this can be found on the front of your most recent rates notice)
Register in 3 simple steps:
- Enter in your email address and eNotices Reference Number (find this number next to the eNotices logo on your notice)
- Check your email inbox and click the verification link
- Select your password and mobile number
Already registered but forgot your password? Open the eNotices portal and select ‘Forgot your password’ to reset.
Add additional notices
To register additional notices, click ‘Add your notice’ in your portal dashboard and enter your eNotices Reference Number.
Important note: Your Rates account and Water account are separate. To receive both notices by email and see all your bills in one place, please make sure to add both accounts to your eNotices profile as additional notice.
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
Land valuations assigned for rating purposes are determined by the NSW Valuer General based on recent sales evidence, and things like size, shape, aspect, land use, zoning restriction and nearby amenities.
Land valuations are determined on a three-year cycle, with the most recent valuation occurring in 2022. Importantly, land valuations don’t include the value of the house or any improvements on the property.
Check or object to your land valuation
If you believe your land valuation is incorrect, you can lodge an objection directly with the Valuer General.
Visit the Valuer General’s website to:
- Check your current land value
- Learn how to valuations are determined
- Lodge an objection online
Important: Objections must be lodged within the timeframe specified on your valuation notice.
For further information regarding land valuations visit the Valuer General’s website.
How land valuations affect your rates
Learn how land valuations affect your Council rates in the video below.
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.
Note: Your rating category appears on your rates notice.
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
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 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 $3.00 per kilolitre. Each kilolitre used over 350 kilolitres will be charged at $4.50 per kilolitre.
Non-residential users
Non-residential water usage accounts are calculated using a one-step charge of $4.10 per kilolitre.
Helpful Links
- Rethink Your Water – tips on being water wise and more information about your water meter.
- Water and Wastewater – find more information regarding your water service.
- Office of Local Government – answers to FAQs regarding local government rates, charges and pensioner concessions.
