Rates FAQs

The overall objective of the Shire’s differential rates is to raise rate revenue in a manner that is simple, efficient and equitable to all ratepayers within the district. The objectives and reasons for each differential rating category are as follows:

•  GRV – Residential Rate

This objective of this category is to apply a differential general rate or minimum payment to land used, held or zoned for residential purposes. This also acts as the Shire’s benchmark differential rate and minimum payment by which all other GRV rated properties are assessed. The reason for this rate is to ensure that ratepayers make a reasonable contribution towards ongoing maintenance and provision of works, services and facilities.

•  GRV – Commercial/Industrial Rate

​The objective of this category is to apply a differential rate or minimum payment to land wholly or partly used, held or zoned for Commercial or Industrial purposes. The reason for this rate is to assist with the funding of Tourism, Marketing, Events and Economic Development related projects, activities and services.

• GRV – Transient Workforce / Workforce Accommodation Rate

​The objective of this category is to apply a differential rate or minimum payment to land wholly or partly used, held or zoned for Transient Workforce / Workforce Accommodation (TWA) purposes. The reason for this rate is TWA properties have the potential to have a greater impact on Shire’s services / assets than other properties, due to their number of occupants in a relatively small land parcel (i.e. a concentration of coach / vehicle movements on local roads). In order to appropriately maintain and manage Shire assets and infrastructure in the longer term, a higher differential rate is proposed for this category to reflect the greater potential and actual intensity of the use of Shire services and infrastructure.

• UV – Rural Rate

​The objective of this category is to apply a differential general rate or minimum payment to land used, held or zoned for bona-fide rural purposes and to act as the Shire’s benchmark differential rate by which all other UV rated properties are assessed. The reason for this rate is to ensure that all ratepayers make a reasonable contribution towards ongoing maintenance and provision of works, services and facilities.

• UV – Commercial Rate

The objective of this category is to apply a differential rate or minimum payment to land with an Unimproved Value that is wholly or partly used, held or zoned for commercial purposes. The reason for this rate is to assist with the funding of Tourism, Marketing, Events and Economic Development related projects, activities and services, and to achieve a fair and equitable level of rating between commercial properties within both the UV and GRV differential rating categories.

• A rating year is the same as the financial year, 1 July to 30 June.
• Rate notices can be issued any time after 1 July. However, the Shire of Harvey typically issue rates in August with a due date in September. It is recommended if you haven’t received your rates notice by the middle of September you query this with the Rates team.

• Rates are used to build and maintain roads, parks, gardens, beaches, recreation and sporting facilities and to operate other local community services, see the graphic below explaining how your rates are spent.
• View the Shire's Annual Budget for more information.

• The video below produced by WA Local Government Association explains the relationship between property prices and council rates.

• The Shire of Harvey understands it is sometimes easier to spread out larger bills by paying smaller more frequent payments. If you wish to make any payments towards your rates before they are raised, you are more than welcome. These payments will appear on your notice as a pre-payment.

You can obtain a balance by calling the Rates team on 9729 0310.

• It is possible for you to object to your property’s rate record in two circumstances:
  • If you are not the owner of the property for which you have received a rate notice.
  • You believe your property is non-rateable. For more information on non-rateable properties please refer to the Local Government Act 1995, section 6.26.
• You can appeal your rate notice by contacting the Shire on 9729 0310 within 42 days for your rate notice being issued.
• Objections to your property’s valuation should be directed to Landgate within 60 days of your rate notice being issued. Call 9273 7373 or visit Landgate.
• See the reverse of your rate notice for more information.

• Your account balance or credit will be handled by the settlement agency. They will instruct you on your required payments or how to obtain a refund.

• If there is a change which affects the amount of rates owing on a property, the owner will be issued with an interim rates notice. The most common reasons interim notices are issued is,
  • A new property/subdivision
  • A new house/building completed
  • Waste/rubbish service charge
  • Demolition of a building
  • Additions/extensions to a home/building
• Understanding your interim rates brochure.

• Unfortunately, the rating database must match the certificate of title.
•  If you have changed the ownership details with the title office, please advise the Shire immediately so we can correct our system.