Rates and categorisation

Council rates are determined in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act 1993. This legislation provides the process to calculate rates and limits the income councils can receive from rates. Each property in Parkes Shire Council falls into one of four categories for rating purposes depending on the land use of the property.

These categories are:

  • Residential
  • Business
  • Farmland
  • Mining

Council decides which category your property should be in based on its land use. Rates are calculated annually and include the ordinary rate and annual charges. The ordinary rate consists of a minimum amount or an "ad valorem" amount, which is based on the value of your land.

Land valuation is conducted every three years by the NSW Valuer General. The land value does not include the value of your house, buildings, or other improvements to the land. Council uses this figure to calculate the ad valorem amount to reflect any changes in the value of your land. Additional information on land valuation is available from the Office of the Valuer General web site.

Policies

Council adopts a range of policies in regards to rates. See the below documents available for download:

Best Practice Pricing for Water and Sewer Policy

Rates and Charges Policy for Community Title Properties 

Rating Hardship Policy