The City provides a wide range of services to the community, including maintaining roads and footpaths, recreational facilities, parks, libraries, waste management and major infrastructure projects.
With a balanced approach to spending and meeting community expectations, our budget priorities are determined each year through Council’s Strategic Community Plan and Annual Community Survey.
The amount of rates payable is determined by three factors: the method of valuation of the land, the valuation of the land and improvements, and the rate in the dollar (RID) applied by the City.
The RID is determined by dividing the total value of all properties to meet the City’s projected budget.
Rates are calculated for each property by multiplying its Gross Rental Value (GRV) or Unimproved Value (UV), as determined by Landgate, by the RID.
The City adopts a differential rates approach to rate setting. This means each property within the City of Karratha is placed in a rating category according to its predominant use or zoning, and different rates in the dollar are set for different categories of rateable land.
In 2021, the Gross Rental Values (GRV) of all properties were revised by Landgate. The next revision to GRV is anticipated late 2024, effective 2025.
Other charges may also be applied to your rate amount, including the Domestic Waste Service Charge, which covers weekly household rubbish collections, fortnightly recycling collections, annual green waste collection and year-round free tip services; pool inspections fees; and the Emergency Services Levy.
Read the 2023/24 Rates Newsletter, linked below for more information.
Documents
2024/25 Rates Newsletter
(1.32 MB)
Frequently asked questions
What do I do if I have not received my rates notice?
Ratepayers are usually issued with rates notices via post (or e-rates, if registered) in late July/early August. If you have not received yours, Please contact the rates team via email: rates@karratha.wa.gov.au or call 9186 8555.
Can I receive my rates via email?
Yes – register for eRates here: https://erateswa.com/karratha/
Where can I view the budget?
Current and previous annual budget can be viewed here.
Can I appeal my property's valuation?
If you feel that the valuation applied to your property is incorrect, you can lodge an objection with Landgate's Valuer General's Office, within 60 days of the issue of your rates notice. For more information, please contact the Valuer General's Office on (08) 9273 7373 or visit Landgate's website here.
Section 6.81 of the Local Government Act 1995 refers that rates assessments are required to be paid by the due date, irrespective of whether an objection or appeal has been lodged. In the event of a successful objection or appeal, the rates will be adjusted, and you will be advised accordingly. Credit balances may be refunded on request.
If an objection or an appeal is lodged the full amount of rates remains due and payable by the due date on the notice, regardless of the expected outcome of the appeal.
Do I pay GST on my rates?
No. GST is not payable on your rates assessment
I am a pensioner; can I get a discount?
Pensioners who hold a Pensioner Concession Card or a Senior Concession Card and a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card and are an owner / occupier at 1 July may be eligible to receive a concession on their rates.
Eligible Pensioners may also be entitled to defer payment, however the Waste Service Charge and Swimming Pool / Spa Inspection Fee must be paid in full each year. Emergency Services Levy (ESL) can be deferred.
To access this, please contact the rates ream via email: rates@karratha.wa.gov.au or call 9186 8555
What do I do if I am having trouble paying my rates?
Click here for our Financial Hardship Policy or contact the rates team via email rates@karratha.wa.gov.au or call 9186 8555
When do I need to pay my rates for 2023?
You can pay your rates in full or in instalments.
Paying in full: Pay in one lump sum by Wednesday 18 September 2024.
Two instalments: Pay over two instalments on Wednesday 18 September 2024 and Wednesday 12 February 2025.
Four instalments: Pay over four instalments on Wednesday 18 September 2024, Wednesday 4 December 2024, Wednesday 12 February 2025 and Tuesday 22 April 2025.
In accordance with Section 6.36 of the Local Government Act 1995, the City of Karratha is required to publish its proposed