YOUR RATES EXPLAINED

What are rates?

Local government rates are an annual payment received from all property owners within the Shire of Exmouth.

Your rates contribute to many community services and infrastructure, such as:

  • Infrastructure and Property Services: local roads, bridges, footpaths, drainage, airport, heliport, waste collection and management.
  • Provision of Recreation Facilities: parks, playgrounds and ovals, swimming pool, recreation centre, Shire Hall.
  • Health Services: water and food inspection, toilet facilities, noise control and animal control.
  • Community Services: community development, community group/event sponsorship.
  • Planning and Building Services
  • Administration of Facilities: cemeteries, public parking.
  • Cultural Facilities and Services: library, tourist information service and Ningaloo Aquarium and Discovery Centre

How rates are calculated

Each property is issued a Gross Rental Value (GRV) or Unimproved Valve (UV) based on the location and zoning of the property. This valuation is provided to the Shire by Landgate’s Valuer General Office. It should be noted the Shire has no say in how your property is valued.

To calculate your general rates, you will need to times the GRV or UV amount by the rate in the dollar which is set each year by the Shire of Exmouth.

Please see calculation example below:

              General Rate (GRV) $19,500 x 0.085534 = General rates $ 1,667.91

              General rate (UV) $400,000 x 0.005188 = General rates $ 2,075.20

Each year the Shire imposes a minimum payment per rate assessment. If the calculation of the GRV or UV by the rate in the dollar results in an amount less than the minimum charge, then the minimum charge will be applied.

For more information guidance on property valuation, visit the Landgate website.

Follow the link to watch a helpful video explanation: How do Councils Calculate Residential Rates.

What are Differential Rates?

Following a rating strategy review in 2024/25 the Shire of Exmouth adopted a new rating strategy in 2025/26. A detailed video was used to illustrate the changes made to the strategy, primarily the introduction of new differencial rating cetegories. 

You can watch the 2025/26 explanation video here: Rating Strategy video

Differential rating categories ensure our property rating policy is objective, fair, equitable, consistent, and transparent, while also aligning with our sustainability and community goals. 

The Shire of Exmouth is seeking public submissions on the 2026/27 Proposed Differential Rates

The Shire of Exmouth is seeking public submissions on the 2026/27 Proposed Differential Rates schedule outlined in the 2026/27 Statement of Objectives and Reasons.

Have your say:

Submit your feedback online here: Have your say - Proposed Differential Rates 2026/27

Mail to PO Box 21, Exmouth WA 6707

Email your feedback to info@exmouth.wa.gov.au

Your feedback will help Council consider the proposal before a final decision is made, please submit feedback by 4.00pm Friday 3 July 2026.

Proposed changes include

The proposal for 2026/27 includes a 4.9 per cent increase to the base differential rate.

  • The average residential household increase will be less than $2.40 per week, or $124 per year.
  • The proposed rate increase is 4.9%, which is 0.3% above the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rate of 4.6%, reflecting expected increases in inflation, insurance premiums, fuel, utilities and contractor services. 

Our focus

Our focus will be on continuing to provide:

  • important services
  • safe and well-maintained facilities
  • quality infrastructure

In accordance with section 6.36 of the Local Government Act 1995, the Shire of Exmouth is now inviting public submissions on the proposed 2026/27 differential rates as set out in the table below.

Category Rate in the Dollar ($) Minimum Payment ($)
Schedule of Proposed 2026/27 Differential Rates
GRV Residential 0.0771 1500
GRV Business/Other 0.0925 1500
GRV Accommodation General 0.1105 1500
GRV Holiday Homes / Accomodation Marina 0.1156 1500
GRV Vacant Land 0.1542 1500
UV Mining / Aquaculture 0.2246 490
UV Rural 0.1123 1500

Schedule of Proposed 2026/27 Specified Area Rates
GRV Specified Area Rate 0.0170 Nil

Review the 2026/27 Statement of Objectives and Reasons for further details.

Appealing your rates

A property owner may lodge an objection against the valuation of a property within 60 days from the date of issue of a rate notice.

For information on how to lodge an objection, please visit Landgate’s website or call Landgate Customer Service on +61 (08) 9273 7373.

Please note section 6.81 of the Local Government Act 1995 states that rate assessments are required to be paid, irrespective of whether an objection or appeal has been lodged. In the event of a successful objection or appeal, the rates will be adjusted, and you will be advised accordingly. Credit balances may be refunded on request.

Exemptions

As per section 6.26 of the Local Government Act 1995, some organisations may be eligible to apply for a rates exemption. Such as:

  • Charitable organisations
  • Religious bodies
  • Government agencies

If you would like to apply, please contact us.

Rates must be paid as per the rate notice until such time as a decision has been reached. All balances outstanding will accrue penalty interest.

Other charges: Emergency Service Levy (ESL)

The ESL levy is charged to all property owners in Western Australia to fund fire and emergency services. The Shire is required to collect this levy for the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES). Find out more about the Emergency Services Levy on the DFES website.