How are rates calculated?

Categorisation of land

Before levying a general rate, Council determines the different categories of rateable land. Once determined, Council assigns each parcel of rateable land a category. 

Council does this by using information that identifies the use of rateable land.

General rates are then calculated based on land valuations and rating categories. There are 261 different rating categories. 

A rate notice may contain some or all the following rates and charges. 

Further details on the charges outlined are included in the Budget and Operational Plan - Revenue Statement.

Land valuations

The Queensland Department of Resources issues the land valuation for each property each year and advises property owners accordingly.

The current land valuation is shown on your rate notice. You can also view your property’s land valuation on the Queensland Government website.

General rate

Council calculates the general rate by multiplying the land valuation by the rate in the dollar amount of the rating category.

Council may apply a minimum rate if the calculated amount is below the set minimum general rate for the category and, in some cases, cap the increase from the previous year’s rate.

City infrastructure and environment charge

This charge is used to:

  • enhance and rehabilitate transport and stormwater infrastructure to benefit the entire city
  • acquire, restore, and rehabilitate land to conserve the city’s ecological communities and environmental values for the benefit of the community now and in the future.

Garbage charge (waste management)

This charge covers the cost associated with collection and disposal of rubbish from wheelie bins and bulk bins, and the operational costs of Council's waste disposal facilities.

The annual charge depends on the type of service provided.

Special charges

Special charges are for services, facilities, and activities that have an association with certain properties within the city. Council's special charges include:

  • Rural Fire Brigade special charge
  • Rural Recycling and Waste Management special charge
  • Commercial Waste Management special charge
  • North Lakes enhanced services special charge
  • Newport canal maintenance special charge
  • Pacific Harbour canal maintenance special charge
  • Bribie Gardens canal maintenance special charge
  • Redcliffe Aerodrome special charge.

Emergency management levy

Councils collect the Emergency Management Levy on behalf of the Queensland Fire Department. It is levied to owners of prescribed properties in accordance with the Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990.

Can I dispute Council rates?

If you disagree with your property's rating category and believe your property belongs to a different category, you may lodge an objection with Council (Part 5 Division 4 Local Government Regulation 2012). 

You must submit objections within 30 days after the date of issue of the rate notice.

After lodgement, there will be no change to the rates and charges levied until Council has reviewed the objection. If your property's rating category changes because of your objection, the rates levied will be adjusted from the start of the quarter in which your objection was lodged. You will be notified in writing. 

To lodge an objection, complete a Notice of objection form. 

If you believe the charges on your rates notice are incorrect, contact Council.

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