Published on Tuesday, 27 August 2024 at 2:14:32 PM
The Shire of Exmouth is a vibrant, close-knit community nestled in the stunning landscape of Western Australia, home to the awe-inspiring Ningaloo Reef. However, as with any thriving community, there are times when changes and adjustments are necessary to ensure our residents' continued development and well-being. Recently, the Shire has experienced a rate increase, sparking questions and concerns among its community members.
Every five years, Landgate, the statutory authority responsible for property valuations in Western Australia, conducts a revaluation of the GRVs for all properties. This revaluation is a key factor in determining rates for property owners. The most recent revaluation, effective as of 1 July 2024, marked the end of a six-year cycle since the previous valuation.
The Shire Council unanimously set the rate in the dollar, aligning our rates with those of other comparable Shires.
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Rate Category:
Residential
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Population
Census 2021
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City of Greater Geraldton
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13.8611
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39,489
|
|
Shire of East Kimberley
|
12.7700
|
7,477
|
|
Shire of Denmark
|
11.8100
|
6,310
|
|
Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes
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11.0431
|
5,238
|
|
Shire of Shark Bay
|
10.6300
|
1,031
|
|
Shire of Augusta Margaret River
|
10.2453
|
16,791
|
|
Shire of Nannup
|
10.2000
|
1,538
|
|
Shire of Harvey
|
9.8908
|
28,567
|
|
Shire of Ashburton
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9.8300
|
7,391
|
|
Shire of Carnarvon
|
9.8174
|
5,251
|
|
Shire of Exmouth
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9.5800
|
3,085
|
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City of Busselton
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9.1300
|
40,640
|
|
Shire of Manjimup
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9.0110
|
9,093
|
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City of Mandurah
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8.9670
|
107,641
|
|
Shire of Broome
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8.7268
|
16,959
|
|
Shire of Halls Creek
|
8.6270
|
3,574
|
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Shire of Capel
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8.2500
|
18,172
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This alignment ensures that our community contributes fairly to the Shire's budget, which funds essential services and infrastructure projects that benefit all property owners.
Understanding that rate increases can pose financial challenges for some residents, the Shire of Exmouth has implemented several support options to ease the burden.
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Fee Relief for 2024/25 Rate Payments
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In an effort to provide immediate relief, the Shire offers fee relief for the 2024/25 rate payments. Under this initiative, ratepayers can make instalments on their rate payments without incurring interest charges. This measure is designed to alleviate financial stress and provide much-needed support to our residents.
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Hardship Policy
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The Shire's hardship policy provides more flexible payment arrangements for ratepayers experiencing genuine financial hardship.
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Pensioner Rate Rebate
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Eligible pensioners can access a pensioner rate rebate, which allows them to defer their rates. Importantly, no interest is charged on the deferred amount, offering significant financial relief to our senior residents.
This is in addition to the State Government’s Rebate to assist with cost-of-living pressures available to pensioners. Rebates of up to 50% can be made available, and different caps apply. Please note rebates can only be as high as $750.
More information on the State Government Rebate: https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Cook-Labor-Government/Rebate-to-assist-with-cost-of-living-pressures-available-to-pensioners-20240728
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Listening to the community's concerns, the Shire has also taken the additional step of offering Alternative Payment Plans for residential owner-occupiers who are not renting out their properties. This decision reflects the Shire of Exmouth’s commitment to supporting local homeowners and ensuring fair treatment for all.
The Shire President proposed the item as ‘New Business of an Urgent Nature introduced by Decision of Meeting’ and endorsed by all seven Councillors.
Community Members registered for the Shire of Exmouth’s SMS Service have been notified, and all information is available on the Shire of Exmouth’s website under https://www.exmouth.wa.gov.au/council/publications/rates-fees-and-charges/payment-options.aspx
COMMENTS ATTRIBUTED TO THE SHIRE OF EXMOUTH – SHIRE PRESIDENT MATTHEW NIIKKULA
“During the last council meeting, 118 community members attended to discuss the rate increase and seek answers to their questions. This high level of engagement underscores the importance of transparent communication and community involvement in decision-making processes, which the Council thrives to become better at. I strongly encourage all community members to utilise our website forms and Public Question Time to stay involved and sign up for engagement workshops in the future.”
“In light of the concerns raised by the community, we have taken additional measures and made a decision to provide Alternative Payment Plans for residents who own homes in the Shire of Exmouth. This option is available for those who are not renting out rooms or ancillary dwellings and are facing difficulties paying their rates in full or according to the instalment plan outlined on their rates notice.”
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Sandra Flint, Coordinator Communications, Shire of Exmouth
M: 0459 431 439 | E: sflint@exmouth.wa.gov.au
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