Rates

Income from property rates and annual charges makes up approximately 53% of our total revenue (2011/12), with the remainder coming from grants and developer contributions, user fees and charges, and interest.

How are rates calculated?

Ordinary rates are made up of two components - a base amount of $162 and a variable rate which is based on the land value of your property.

Property valuations are set by the NSW Valuer General. Valuations are determined by the market value of the land and reassessed every three years. The latest valuations were determined in July 2008.

Enquiries about your property value should be directed to the NSW Valuer General. Ph: 1800 110 038

Income from property rates and annual charges makes up approximately 53% of our total revenue, with the remainder coming from grants and developer contributions, user fees and charges, and interest.

For 2011/12, the overall rates increase for a typical residential ratepayer has been kept down despite NSW Government controlled charges driving waste costs up by 20% and water charges by 16%.

Council has adopted the NSW rate peg increase of 2.8%. However, by introducing a new rate category for major retailers and increasing rates for mining properties, council was able to limit the increase for the typical residential ratepayer.

For the average resident, this will amount to an increase of around $2.54 per week for 2011/12.

Rates category information

Special rates

Wyong Shire Council has three special rates which help promote business activity in targeted areas.

Special rates only apply to properties that Council believes benefit from the activities funded by these rates.

If you are required to pay a special rate it will be clearly shown on your rate notice.

The Entrance Special Rate applies to:

  • Businesses within the suburb of The Entrance
  • Major facilities like clubs and motels in the suburbs from Bateau Bay in the south to Magenta in the north
  • Residential properties in The Entrance, The Entrance North, Blue Bay and Toowoon Bay rented for periods of three months or less (eg. holiday rentals).

Toukley Special Rate applies to businesses in Toukley, Canton Beach, Noraville and Norah Head.

Wyong Special Rateapplies to businesses in the commercial and retail areas of Wyong and Watanobbi.

Waste management charges

Domestic waste charges pay for waste and recycling services. Charges are calculated on a cost recovery basis which means that the cost of running the service is funded entirely and solely from this income.

Each week Council collects:

  • 575 tonnes of waste from 60,000 bins.
  • 372 tonnes of recycling material from 31,000 bins.
  • 284 tonnes of green waste from 28,000 bins.

Residential dwellings and units within Wyong Shire incur a domestic waste management charge.

  • For properties located east of the F3 Freeway the charge for 2011-12 is $417.00. This entitles the occupants to Council’s standard three bin collection service plus six kerbside collections a year.
  • Properties west of the F3 Freeway have an annual charge of $350.00 and receive a two bin service (excludes vegetation bin) plus six kerbside collections a year.
  • Owners of vacant residential land are charged $55.00 for waste service availability. These funds contribute to the cost of providing domestic waste services into the future.

Council offers other waste management services for domestic and non domestic situations at additional costs.

Stormwater management charge

The Stormwater Management charge provides funds to protect our local waterways.

The Shire’s waterways are an integral part of our community’s lifestyle and are the focus of many recreational activities including fishing, boating, cycling, walking and picnicking. Their long-term protection will ensure that they are there for future generations to enjoy.

  • In 2011-12 this charge is $25 for residential properties, and $12.50 for residential strata lots.
  • Business properties pay according to the area of the property at the rate of $25 per 850 square metres to a maximum $5,000 per property.

The Stormwater Management charge does not apply to vacant land.

Water, sewer & drainage charges

Water, sewer and drainage charges are set by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).

Your water availability charge pays for the availability of your water supply service and contributes to the work being undertaken to make the Shire’s water supply more sustainable. Most customers pay a water availability charge of $157.53.

Twice per year, water users will receive an account for the amount they have used.

Sewer charges apply to all properties capable of connecting to Council’s sewer system. For single residential dwellings and strata unit properties the charge is $450.31. Vacant land incurs an availability charge of $337.74. Other connected properties pay a minimum charge of $450.31 depending upon the level of service provided and use.

A separate drainage charge contributes to Council’s drainage works program. These charges only apply to properties that are connected to Council’s water supply system.

Drainage charges for single residential dwellings are $87.23, residential strata units and other residential properties pay $65.42 per unit. Non residential properties are charged a variable amount from $87.23 according to the size of the property’s water supply pipe.