Why do we pay rates?
Rates are a type of property tax that local governments charge property owners each year. Rates are one of the main ways councils raise money to pay for local services and facilities.
Each year, local governments prepare a budget to determine the funds required to deliver essential services and infrastructure for the community. This includes the maintenance of roads, footpaths, parks, waste management, community facilities, libraries, and support for emergency services.
After accounting for revenue from grants, fees, charges, and other income sources, the remaining balance — known as the net funding requirement — must be raised through property rates. Rates ensure that all property owners contribute to the ongoing delivery of services and the development of their local community.
What do I get for my rates?
Your rates contribute to a wide range of services and infrastructure that benefit the community, including:
- Maintenance and upgrades of local roads, footpaths and other infrastructure
- Maintenance and improvement of public facilities such as community centres and toilets
- Parks, playgrounds, and open space upkeep
- Waste collection and management
- Community programs such as sport and recreation, youth services, grants, and events
- Environmental initiatives
- Public health services
- Planning and development application processing
- Community safety initiatives and disaster preparedness
- Ranger services, including animal control and registrations
- Street lighting and signage
- Library services, recreational facilities, and emergency services
Why are the Shire's rates higher than surrounding councils?
The difference in rates between the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale and neighbouring councils can be attributed to several factors.
- We’re one of the fastest growing local governments in WA
The Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale is one of the most affordable places in the Perth metro area to build a new home — and that’s made us the fastest growing local government area in Western Australia. Our population has grown from around 8,000 in 2000 to nearly 40,000 today, and we're projected to exceed 50,000 before 2030.
While this rapid growth is a positive sign of our appeal, it also brings a sharp increase in demand for roads, community facilities, and local services.
Many neighbouring councils have had decades to gradually build their infrastructure. In SJ, we’re delivering new infrastructure and amenities in a much shorter time frame to keep pace with growth. We actively pursue government grants and developer contributions to help fund this work — but rates remain a vital part of ensuring we can deliver what our growing community needs, both now and into the future.
The benefit of this growth? Over time, we gain economies of scale — meaning the cost of delivering services can be spread across more households, which can help ease the pressure on individual ratepayers.
- We have limited commercial or industrial ratepayers — for now.
Neighbouring councils like Armadale and Rockingham benefit from significant industrial and commercial areas that contribute large amounts in rates. These contributions help fund services and reduce the burden on residential ratepayers.
In contrast, our Shire has limited commercial and industrial land, so most of the rates income must come from households. We’re actively working to attract more businesses and develop commercial areas, which will help balance this over time.
Why are my rates different from my neighbour's?
Rates are based on the independent valuation of your property by the Value General’s Office, so differences in land size, location, improvements, or rental potential can affect how much you pay. Properties are also charged differently depending on their category—like residential, farmland, commercial, or vacant land—and whether any concessions or discounts apply. Minimum rates, service charges (like waste collection or swimming pool fees), or special area levies can also cause differences between properties, even on the same street.
Why did my rates increase?
Your rates may have increased due to a combination of factors:
- Inflationary pressures – including a 2.8% rise in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which affects the cost of delivering services and maintaining infrastructure.
- Strategic investment in roads and bridges – A 2% increase has been applied in addition to CPI, with these funds allocated to the Shire’s Road and Bridge Reserve. This will generate approximately $2 million over the next three years to help renew and upgrade aging infrastructure.
Additionally, the Shire must balance its budget while continuing to provide services and maintain assets.
How are my rates calculated?
The community contains a diverse range of property types. To ensure the amount each ratepayer pays is equitable, Council has adopted seven rate categories (differential rates). Your rates contribution is calculated by multiplying the rate in the dollar as set by Council times the valuation of your property set by the Valuer General. Service charges like the Emergency Services Levy and the Waste Service Charge are then added, resulting in your total contribution.
What are differential rates?
Differential rating involves imposing a different rate in the dollar based on any, or a combination, of the following characteristics:
- The purpose for which the land is zoned
- Whether or not under a local planning scheme in force under the Planning and Development Act 2005
- A purpose for which the land is held or used as determined by the local government
- Any characteristic or combination of characteristics prescribed
What is Gross Rental Value (GRV)?
The GRV is the Gross Annual Rental potential of your property, supplied by the Valuer General’s Office. It shows what your property could earn in a year if it were being rented. Factors influencing the GRV include:
- Age
- Construction
- Size
- Car shelters
- Pools
- Location
Your current GRV’s date of valuation is 1 July 2023. The GRV is assessed every three years. Despite possible changes to the rental market, the GRV remains fixed until the next valuation unless you make changes to your property.
What is Unimproved Value (UV)?
The UV is the Unimproved Value of your property, supplied by the Valuer General’s Office. It shows the value of your property in its original natural state. Unlike the GRV, the Valuer General determines unimproved values annually. This year’s rates are calculated with revaluations effective from 1 July 2025. GRV generally applies to urban areas, and UV to rural land. You can visit the Valuer General’s website for more information on valuations used for rating and taxing.
What do the rate categories mean?
| GRV Residential |
This category covers all improved non-rural properties used for residential purpose and all improved non-rural properties. |
| GRV Commercial / Industrial |
This category covers all improved non-rural properties that are used for a purpose other than residential. |
| UV General |
This category covers all rural properties not covered by another rating category |
| UV Rural Residential |
This category covers all rural properties up to 50,000sqm whose predominant use is Residential. |
| UV Commercial/ Industrial |
This category covers all rural properties used predominantly for commercial/industrial purpose, excluding those used for intensive agriculture. |
| UV Intensive Farming |
This category covers all rural properties used for intensive agriculture (e.g. poultry farms and feed lots). |
What are the payment options and instalment dates for 2025/26 rates?
You can pay your rates online, by BPAY, in person at the Shire office, over the phone, or by mail. Payment options and instructions are listed on your rates notice or can be found on our payments page.
How is overdue interest calculated?
The overdue interest is calculated at 11% per annum, calculated on a daily basis.
Example:
- Rates + Emergency Services Levy + Services = $685.00
- $685.00 x 11% = $75.35
- $75.35 ÷ 365 = $0.2064 per day
What should I do if I have trouble paying my rates?
If you are experiencing difficulty paying your rates, we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible to discuss the support options available.
We understand that financial hardship can affect anyone, and we are committed to working with those experiencing financial stress to find a suitable solution. Under our Financial Hardship Policy, assistance may include flexible payment arrangements, deferment of rates, or other relief measures, depending on individual circumstances.
Early communication is essential to ensure appropriate support can be provided. To arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our Rates Team on info@sjshire.wa.gov.au or call 9526 1111.
What is a minimum rates payment?
A minimum rate is set for each rate category. When the valuation multiplied by the rate in the dollar is less than this minimum rate, you'll pay the minimum rate. This ensures rating is equitable across all rating categories.
What if I am selling my property?
At settlement, you will pay the amount of outstanding rates owing up to that date. The new owners will be responsible for paying rates after that date. Your settlement agent will proportion your rates for you.
Can I get a concession on my rates?
If your property meets certain criteria, you may be eligible for a concession that reduces your rates.
The Shire currently offers the following concessions:
- Farmland Concession (31%) – Available to eligible properties in the UV Rural category that are genuinely used for farming. Concessions are reviewed every four years.
- Conservation Concession (50%) – For properties with significant conservation value, such as retained bushland or wetlands.
- Trotting Complex Precinct Concession (30%) – For property owners within the precinct who are professionally involved in the horse racing industry. This helps preserve the area for active equine use.
All concessions take effect from 1 July each year. To apply, contact the Rates Team on (08) 9526 1111.
Can pensioners or seniors get a rebate on their rates?
Yes, eligible pensioners and seniors may be entitled to a rebate or deferral on their rates and emergency services levy. To qualify, you must own and live in the property as your main residence on 1 July and register with the Water Corporation. The rebate applies from the date you register. No administration fees or late payment interest apply. For more information, click here.
How do I apply for a rates concession?
If you think your property may be eligible for a concession, you can apply by contacting the Shire’s Rates Team on (08) 9526 1111. Concessions take effect from 1 July each year.
To find out more about the types of concessions available and the eligibility criteria, visit our Rates Concessions and Rebates page.
What is the Emergency Services Levy (ESL)?
The Emergency Services Levy (ESL) is a State Government charge that everyone in WA pays. The Shire collects this fee on behalf of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES). This provides funding for fire and emergency service response teams, including local Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades and State-operated services like State Emergency Services. For more information, please refer to the ESL section of the DFES website or enquire on free call 1300 136 099.
What is the swimming pool inspection fee?
All properties with a swimming pool are required by law to have safety barrier inspections every four years to ensure compliance with State regulations. This fee covers the cost of these mandatory inspections.
If your property no longer has a swimming pool, please notify us in writing so we can update our records and remove your property from the inspection schedule.
You can notify us by email via info@sjshire.wa.gov.au
or by post to:
Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale
6 Paterson Street
Mundijong WA 6123