Why are the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale's rates higher than surrounding councils?

The difference in rates between the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale and neighbouring councils can be attributed to several factors. A significant one is that many councils benefit from commercial entities and industrial areas in their jurisdiction, which contributes to the rates base and helps offset residential rates. In contrast, the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale does not have the same level of commercial or industrial development, meaning that the costs of services and infrastructure are spread across a smaller number of ratepayers, primarily residential. This, along with the Shire's unique service needs and priorities, results in higher rates for residents.

Why did my rates increase?

Your rates have increased due to several factors. The rising costs of service delivery, inflationary pressures such as the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase, and the need to fund essential infrastructure projects all contribute to the rate adjustment. Additionally, the Shire must balance its budget while continuing to provide services and maintaining assets. The increase ensures that the Shire can meet the community's current and future needs.

What do I get for my rates?

Your rates contribute to a wide range of services and infrastructure that benefit the community. This includes maintenance of local roads, footpaths, and public spaces; waste collection and management services; community programs, grants and events; environmental initiatives; and funding for library services, recreational facilities, and emergency services.

Why are my rates different from my neighbour’s or others in the Shire?

Rates are calculated based on the Gross Rental Value (GRV) of each property, which is assessed by the Valuer General’s Office. The GRV reflects the rental potential of the property and takes into account factors such as property size, location, and improvements to an individual property. Because properties vary in these aspects, the GRV—and therefore the rates—can differ between neighbours. If you have concerns about your property’s valuation, you can contact the Shire or the Valuer General’s Office for more information.

Where are my rates going?

Click here to find out where your rates are going.

How can I pay my rates?

To find out ways of paying your rates click here.

How are my rates calculated?

Our community contains a diverse range of property types, and to ensure the amount each ratepayer pays is equitable, Council has adopted seven rate categories (differential rates). We explain each category in detail in the ‘What do the rate categories mean?’ section.

Your rates contribution is calculated by multiplying the rate in the dollar for your rate category, by your valuation. Service charges like the Emergency Services Levy and the Waste Service Charge are then added resulting in your total contribution.

What are differential rates?

Differential rating is imposing a different rate in the dollar based on any, or a combination, of the following characteristics:

• the purpose for which the land is zoned, whether or not under local planning scheme in force under the Planning and Development Act 2005
• a purpose for which the land is held or used as determined by the local government
• whether or not the land is vacant or not
• or any characteristic or combination of characteristics prescribed

Differential rates for 2024/2025

The complete Objectives and Reasons Statement for the year ending 30 June 2025 will be available below.

What is Gross Rental Value (GRV)?

The GRV is the Gross Annual Rental potential of your property. It is supplied by the Valuer General’s Office, and shows what your property could earn in a year if it was being rented. The potential rental value for houses or other GRV properties is influenced by factors such as age, construction, size, car shelters, pools and location.

Your current GRV’s date of valuation is 1 July 2023. The GRV is assessed every three years. Despite possible changes to the rental market, the GRV remains fixed until the next valuation, unless you make changes to your property.

What is Unimproved Value (UV)?

The UV is the Unimproved Value of your property. Like the GRV, it is supplied by the Valuer General’s Office, and shows the value of your property in its original natural state.

Unlike the GRV, the Valuer General determines unimproved values annually. This year’s rates are calculated with revaluations effective from 1 July 2024. 

GRV generally applies for urban areas and UV for rural land.

You can visit the Valuer General’s website for more information on valuations used for rating and taxing.

What do the rate categories mean?

GRV Residential

Object: This category covers all improved non-rural properties used for residential purpose.

Reason: The Shire's rating strategy is to achieve rate revenue that meets the shortfall from other revenue sources and allows for the delivery of services and the creation of infrastructure. The Shire desires to levy rates that are more equitable across different types of properties and thus has implemented differential rates.

GRV Vacant

Object: This category covers all non-rural vacant properties.

Reason: Council has adopted a deliberate policy objective to discourage property owners from land banking.

GRV Commercial/Industrial

Object: This category covers all improved non-rural properties that are not vacant and are used for a purpose other than residential.

Reason: The Shire's rating strategy is to achieve rate revenue that meets the shortfall from other revenue sources and allows for the delivery of services and the creation of infrastructure. The Shire desires to levy rates that are more equitable across different types of properties and thus has implemented differential rates.

UV General

Object: This category covers all rural properties not covered by another rating category.

Reason: The Shire's rating strategy is to achieve rate revenue that meets the shortfall from other revenue sources and allows for the delivery of services and the creation of infrastructure. The Shire desires to levy rates that are more equitable across different types of properties and thus has implemented differential rates.

Rates, Concessions and Rebates

UV Rural Residential

Object: This category covers all rural properties up to 50,000sqm whose predominant use is Residential.

Reason: The Shire's rating strategy is to achieve rate revenue that meets the shortfall from other revenue sources and allows for the delivery of services and the creation of infrastructure. The Shire desires to levy rates that are more equitable across different types of properties and thus has implemented differential rates.

UV Commercial/Industrial 

Object: This category covers all rural properties used predominantly for commercial/industrial purpose, excluding those used for intensive agriculture.

Reason: The Shire's rating strategy is to achieve rate revenue that meets the shortfall from other revenue sources and allows for the delivery of services and the creation of infrastructure. The Shire desires to levy rates that are more equitable across different types of properties and thus has implemented differential rates

UV Intensive Farming 

Object: This category covers all rural properties used for intensive agriculture (e.g. poultry farms and feed lots).

Reason: The Shire's rating strategy is to achieve rate revenue that meets the shortfall from other revenue sources and allows for the delivery of services and the creation of infrastructure. The Shire desires to levy rates that are more equitable across different types of properties and thus has implemented differential rates.

How is the overdue interest calculated?

The overdue interest is worked out at 11% per annum calculated on a daily basis. 

For example:

What is a minimum rates payment

A minimum rate is set for each category. When the valuation is multiplied by the rate in the dollar is less than this minimum rate you'll pay the minimum rate. 

This is to make sure rating is equitable across all rating categories.

What if I am selling my property

At settlement, you will pay the amount of outstanding rates owing up to that date. The new owners will be responsible for paying rates after that date. Your settlement agent will proportion your rates for you.

What is the Emergency Services Levy?

The Emergency Services Levy (ESL) is a State Government charge that everyone in WA pays. We collect this fee on behalf of Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES). This provides funding for fire and emergency service response teams, including local Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades and State-operated services like State Emergency Services.

For more information please refer to the ESL section of the DFES website dfes.wa.gov.au or enquire on free call 1300 136 099.

Swimming Pool Inspection Fees

Swimming pools are inspected once every four years. The swimming pool inspection fee is $232. This is charged at $58 per year over the four years.

Please let us know in writing if you no longer have a swimming pool. This way, we know that you no longer require inspections.

How do I apply for a rates concession?

You can apply for concessions relating to farmland and conservation activities on your property. Eligible properties in the UV Rural category can have their rate in the dollar reduced by 31% for farmland and 50% for conservation.

Farmland concessions are reviewed every two years. Please call the Rates Team on 9526 1111 to make an application. Applications are effective from 1 July.

For more information on the concessions please read the below information.

Farmland Concession

Council Policy 3.2.7 - Farmland Concessions

Farmland Concession Application Form 2022/23

Conservation Concession

Information Note on Conservation Zones

How do I lodge an objection on my GRV, UV value?

To lodge an objection visit the Landgate website here.