Notice of intention to levy differential rates

A rate increase has not happened yet. The proposed rate increase is now open for public comment. Council will make a decision after considering public comment at the Ordinary Council Meeting on 28 July.

Rates will increase by 7% for:

• GRV Residential
• GRV Commercial/Industrial
• UV Rural
• UV Commercial/Industrial

The minimum general rates charge under the proposal will be:

• GRV Residential – $1,586
• GRV Commercial/Industrial – $1,674
• UV Rural – $1,586
• UV Commercial/Industrial – $1,674

A minimum rate ensures every property contributes at least a base amount toward the services provided by the Local Government.

For each rateable property, Landgate provides a Gross Rental Value (GRV) or an Unimproved Value (UV).

• GRV is how much rent you would receive if you rented out your property.
• UV is the value of your land without any buildings that might be on it.

GRV is used for:

• Residential properties like houses and units
• Commercial properties like shops and offices
• Industrial properties like factories and processing plants
• Properties located in towns and built-up areas that are either vacant or established

UV is used for:

• Rural and farming land
• Commercial and Industrial properties that are outside of towns and built-up areas

These values are determined in line with State valuation. In other words, the state sets the rules, Landgate provides the values, and Council then uses those values to calculate rates.

Rates are calculated by multiplying the GRV or UV amount by the rate in the dollar set by the Shire of Harvey.

For example:

• General rate (GRV) $28,500 x 0.077971 = General rates $2,222.17
• General rate (UV) $550,000 x 0.004346 = General rates $2,390.30

Each year the Shire imposes a minimum payment per rate assessment. If the calculation of the GRV or UV by the rate in the dollar results in an amount less than the minimum charge, then the minimum charge will be applied.

For more information about guidance on property valuation, visit the Landgate website.

Differential general rating is when a Council charges different rates depending on the type or use of the property.

For example, the differential rate in the dollar for GRV Commercial/Industrial is 41% higher than the rate in the dollar for GRV Residential.

This is done because different types of properties use services differently. Residential rates are raised to contribute towards ongoing maintenance and provision of works, services and facilities. Commercial/Industrial rates are raised to assist the funding of marketing, events and economic development related projects, activities and services.

Local Government rates are an annual payment received from all property owners within the Shire of Harvey.

The Shire of Harvey has a rates income of $34million, to maintain an asset base across the Shire of $800million.

Your rates contribute to many community services and infrastructure, such as:

• Recreation facilities and four public libraries
• Maintenance of parks and gardens, playgrounds and reserves
• Maintenance of roads, footpaths and community facilities.

The rates are not related to city reclassification. They are related to the delivery of maintenance and services around the shire.

If you are experiencing difficulty in paying rates please contact our rates team as soon as possible, to discuss alternative payment arrangements.

To ensure the Shire of Harvey can offer adequate and fair support, a Financial Hardship Policy was adopted in April 2020 by Council. The policy is intended to ensure the Shire offer fair, equitable, consistent and dignified support to ratepayers suffering hardship.

If you feel this applies to you, please contact us.

Find out more here.

The Revenue and Rating Plan 2026-2027 is now open for public comment.

Ratepayers and Electors are invited to make a submission to the Council in relation to this proposal. Submissions should be in writing, addressed to the Chief Executive Officer and be clearly marked “Submission – Proposed Differential Rates 2026-2027”.

By Mail – PO Box 500 Harvey WA 6220

In Person – 102 Uduc Road, Harvey 6220 or 7 Mulgara Street, Australind 6233

By Email – shire@harvey.wa.gov.au