In accordance with Section 6.36 of the Local Government Act 1995, the City of Karratha is required to publish its proposed differential rates.
Notice of intention to impose differential rates
The City of Karratha is seeking public comment on its proposal to implement a Differential Rates Model for the 2026/27 financial year.
The City collects rates from property owners each financial year to meet the budget requirements of the Council. The rates enable the City to fund essential services like waste collection, roads, parks, libraries, and community facilities that benefit the whole community.
Differential Rates Categories 2026/27 | Rate in $ | Minimum Payment |
| Gross Rental Value (GRV) | ||
| Residential | 0.058027 | $1,750 |
| Commercial/Industrial | 0.094754 | $1,750 |
| Airport/Strategic Industry | 0.116053 | $1,750 |
| Transient Workforce Accommodation/ Workforce Accommodation | 0.232106 | $1,750 |
| Unimproved Value (UV) | ||
| Pastoral | 0.137837 | $367 |
| Mining/Other | 0.153963 | $367 |
| Strategic Industry | 0.232403 | $367 |
How We Rate:
Not all properties are the same - so not all rates are either. Using a Differential Rates Model helps local councils ensure fairness in how rates are charged. By adjusting rates based on property type, land use and/or zoning, councils can better reflect the services provided to different areas.
Rates are calculated using rate in the dollar, which is simply the amount charged for each dollar of a property’s gross rental value (GRV) or unimproved value (UV). A minimum payment also applies, which means every property contributes at least a set amount, even if the calculated rate would be lower.
Properties valued using gross rental value (GRV) are proposed to increase by 4%, which works out to an average increase of around $1.75 per week for residential ratepayer for the 2026/27 financial year. Properties valued using unimproved value (UV) are proposed to increase by 6%. These increases have been carefully set to balance current cost‑of‑living pressures with the need to continue delivering reliable local services. On average across all categories rates revenue will increase 4.5%, which is below the Perth CPI of 4.6% (March 2026).
To provide your feedback or for more information on the proposed model for 2026/27, visit: https://whatwemakeit.karratha.wa.gov.au/differential-rates-model-202627
Submissions received after Wednesday 27 May 2026 will not be considered.