Statement of rating objects and reasons

Section 6.36 of the Local Government Act 1995 requires Council to give notices of its intention to levy differential rates and minimal payments for the 2025/26 Financial Year.

The Town intends to impose differential rates and minimum payments for the 2025/2026 Financial Year as follows:

The following information details the objectives and reasons for levying differential rates and minimum payments:

1. To recognise different land zoning and land use creates different demands on services.
2. To ensure a more equitable distribution of the cost of services based on the demands of each property category. 
3. Each of the differential rates is proposed at an amount which recognises the characteristics and particular demand on the Town’s infrastructure and services.
   1. The General (Residential) Rate imposes a differential rate on land primarily used for residential purposes. This rating category reflects the level of rating required to raise the necessary revenue for Council to operate efficiently and provide the diverse range of services. Residential properties represent 4.94% of all properties and therefore they will make a reasonable contribution to the cost of local government services and facilities.
   2. The Commercial Rate imposes a differential rate on land primarily used for commercial or industrial purposes. Commercial properties represent 9.89% of all properties and therefore they will make a reasonable contribution to the cost of local government services and facilities.
   3. The Specified Area Rate is imposed on commercial properties located in the Town Centre. This rating category reflects the additional costs associated with promotion and marketing for the Town Centre.
   4. A minimum payment is imposed on all differential rate categories within Town. The purpose of the imposition of minimum payment is to ensure that every ratepayer makes a reasonable contribution to the rate burden and recognises that every property receives a minimum level of benefit from works and services provided throughout the Town. By adopting a minimum rate, Council takes this benefit into consideration.

The statement can be read here.