Change to Council's Online Rates Payment System

Due to Council's previous online rates payment system, Bill Express, no longer being available, Council has now introduced the BPOINT Bill Payment System.

Payments can be made via the BPOINT Website using the Biller Code provided at the bottom of your Rates Notice.

If you are experiencing difficulties in paying, please contact the Coorow Administration Centre on 9952 0100, during office hours, to arrange a payment plan (fees do apply).

Television & Radio Rebroadcasting Service Charge

Council has installed equipment to enable WIN, GWN and SBS Television and RED FM radio to be retransmitted to viewers in the townsites of Coorow, Leeman and Green Head. ABC television is rebroadcast in Coorow and Green Head. JJJ and ABC FM Radio have also been installed in Green Head.

Council has a TV Rebroadcasting service charge of $30 per annum to be charged for the ongoing maintencance costs associated with this service. Rateable properties within each townsite will be charged this fee.

This charge complies with Section 6.38 of the Local Government Act 1995 to ensure all proceeds from the charge are expended for in the provision of the service provided by Council.

It is eligible for the discount applied to rates as well as any installment payment options and penalties. Council allows 50% discount to eligible pensioners residing in their principal residence. The service charge will be able to be paid by installment options and the penalty for late payment also applies.

Emergency Services Levy (ESL)

The funds collected from the ESL are remitted by Council to the State Government. This is not a charge levied by Council.

Registered Pensioners/ Seniors

Eligibility provisions for any person seeking to register with Council for rates concessions are:

• Must be an owner/occupier of rateable property at 1 July or earlier, and

If a Pensioner, either:

• Must receive a pension and hold a current Pensioner Concession Card or State Concession Card, or
• hold both, Seniors Card issued by the Office or Seniors Interests AND a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, or If a Senior, hold a Seniors Card issued by the Office of Seniors Interests. Seniors who meet the eligibility criteria are entitled to claim a rebate of up to 25% (subject to a maximum amount) The option of deferment is not available.

If you are not registered with Council as an eligible Pensioner or Senior, and feel that you may eligible, please contact the shires rates section immediately, rebates apply to current rates only, and not to rubbish collection and other charges, which must be paid in full by the DUE DATE shown on this notice. If your circumstances change – particularly with respect to your ownership or occupation of the property, or your eligibility as a Pensioner or Senior – you must give notice immediately to the Council so that the registration can be amended or cancelled.

A pro-rata rebate may be available from the date of registration to Pensioners and Seniors who become eligible after 1 July.

You may pay your rates by accepting one of the three options shown on your rates notice. If you do pay your rates by one of the three options then you will NOT be charged administration fees and interest.

Should any pensioner have any queries in paying your rates please call Council's Rates Officer Erika Clement on (08) 9952 0100.

Interim Rating

Some ratepayers may receive amended rate accounts during the year where the Valuer-General considers the Gross Rental Value of their property has changed. The Gross Rental Value (GRV) is the annual amount that the owner could obtain from rental of the property, and is assessed by the Valuer-General.

The GRV is used as the base upon which rates are levied and values are generally reviewed every 5 years. Any alteration to the property could result in an amendment to the valuation.

Penalty Interest

Some ratepayers may receive amended rate accounts during the year where the Valuer-General considers the Gross Rental Value of their property has changed. The Gross Rental Value (GRV) is the annual amount that the owner could obtain from rental of the property, and is assessed by the Valuer-General.

The GRV is used as the base upon which rates are levied and values are generally reviewed every 5 years. Any alteration to the property could result in an amendment to the valuation.

Objections and Appeals

Objections must be lodged with the Valuer-General's Office within 60 days after the issue of the Rates Notice. Rates must still be paid pending the outcome of the objection. A refund will be issued if an objection is upheld. Forms are available from the Shire office.

If an objection or appeal is lodged the full amount of rates is still due and payable within 35 days of the issue of the rate notice.

Change of Address

Please advise Council staff of any change of address to which notices are to be sent. Change of address information must be submitted in writing or email. The assessment number should be quoted on all such correspondence.