Rates Information
Rates are not a tax but a means of raising income that provides the essential services expected by the community. Rates are based on the estimated rental value of a property (GRV) or for rural properties, based on the valuation of a property (UV).
The level of rates is determined by the elected Council. This year the Council decided on a relatively minor increase of 3.5%, for GRV & Mining UV and 5% for Pastoral UV. These are below the average State CPI on June 30, 2026 of 4.9%.
Local government cannot survive on rates alone, particularly as State Governments pass on more State responsibilities. There are also continually increasing and time-consuming compliance requirements that burden smaller Local Governments. Accordingly, Local Governments must rely on funds collected through federal taxes and redistributed to Local Governments through complex formulae of grants.
2026/2027 Rates Information
General Rates – Rates in the dollar (RID)
Cents in the $
GRV Townsite (Residential/Commercial) 7.545
GRV Mining/Transient Workforce Accommodation 42.50
UV Pastoral 7.06
UV Mining 0.30072
Minimum Payments
GRV Residential/Commercial $210.00
GRV Mining & Transient Workforce Facilities $210.00
UV Pastoral $420.00
UV Mining $414.00
Due Dates
Option 1
Full Payment - 30 September 2026
Option 2
Two Installments - 30 September 2026 & 03 December 2026
Option 3
Four Installments - 30 September 2026 & 3 December 2026 & 04 February 2027 & 05 April 2027
Note: The Shire is offering an early payment discount of 3.5% when full payment of rates is recieved 14 days after the issue date.
Note: Payment of rates and charges by instalments (not including the first instalment) $20 per instalment and 5.5% interest to apply to instalments that remain outstanding after the due date.
Penalties and Additional Charges for Unpaid Rates and Charges
In accordance with section 6.51 of the Local Government Act 1995, Council impose penalty interest of 11% per annum, calculated daily, on rates and service charges remaining unpaid (excluding eligible pensioners opting to defer the payment of their rates), after the due date and that the following fees be adopted for the non-payment of rates and charges
1. A fee of $20 will be levied on each Final Notice issued (concession holders not to receive final notices).
2. A fee of $50 will be levied on each title search required for recovery of outstanding rates.
ESL - The Emergency Services Levy
The ESL is a State Government levy for which Council is the collection agent. The amounts charged are set by the State Government and included in your annual rates account. All funds collected by the Shire from ESL are forwarded to the Department of Fire & Emergency Services (DFES).
ESL
Pensioner and Senior Concession Rebates
Pensioner and Senior Concession Rebates apply to rates and Emergency Services Levy only.
Please contact Water Corporation on 13 13 85 if you wish to apply for a rebate. If your application is approved, Water Corporation will notify the Shire of Sandstone. The Pensioner or Senior Concession Rebate will apply from the date the application is received by Water Corporation.
