How Rates are Calculated

Rates $ = (Gross Rental Value or Unimproved Value x Rate in $) – any concessions + applicable levies and charges

If a calculated assessment is below the minimum rate contribution, the minimum rate applies.

Minimum Rate

Rate in $

Gross Rental Value – General

$1,267

0.106893

Gross Rental Value – Commercial

$1,267

0.085512

Gross Rental Value – Storage Units

$953

0.106893

Unimproved Value – General 

$1,267

0.006790

Unimproved Value – Industrial / Mining 

$1,267

0.013500

Unimproved Value - Rural Lifestyle

$1,267

0.007115

Specified Area Rates
Yunderup Canal Entrance Dredging 0.007273
Yunderup Canal Maintenance 0.006774
Murray Lakes Canal Maintenance 0.006846
Willow Gardens Canal Maintenance 0.006969
Austin Lakes Phase Two Maintenance 0.005649
Private Swimming Pool Inspection Fee Rate
Pro rata, per year $41.30

Levies and Charges

Emergency Services Levy (ESL)

Local governments are required to collect the State Government’s Emergency Services Levy (ESL) which funds the services provided by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES). This levy is detailed separately on your rates notice.

For information about the levy visit the DFES website.

Declared Pest Rate

The Declared Pest Rate on Shire of Murray properties is imposed by the Office of State Revenue on behalf of the Peel Harvey Biosecurity Group. The Rate is imposed on Shire of Murray proprieties, at no more than $30/annum/property over one hectare in area. The imposition of the rate is reviewed annually by Council to ensure the funds are delivering appropriate management of declared pests within Murray.

Through educational programmes and the provision of resources and access to expertise for landowners, the imposition of the rate achieves:

  • A holistic regional approach to pest management
  • Protects the Shire’s biodiversity
  • Mitigates losses to agricultural activity
  • Reduces the impact of pests on the local amenity

For further information, please visit the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development's website.

A Note On

GRV and UV

Property valuation (GRV or UV) is determined by the Valuer General. 

Properties are rated according to land use, a GRV is applied to land within townsites and other land as approved by the Minister for Local Government where the land is used for predominantly non-rural purposes. The UV is applied to land that is predominantly used for rural purposes.

Please visit Landgate’s website for further information about valuations including how and when they are determined.

Rate in Dollar

Rate in the dollar is adopted by Council and is determined on the basis of raising the revenue required to meet the deficiency between the total estimated expenditure proposed in the budget and the estimated revenue to be received from all sources other than rates. 

Rates revenue makes up approximately 43% of the Shire’s annual budget. Together with other revenue sources, we are able to deliver the aspirations and objectives of our Council Plan. Council has imposed differential rates in the dollar based on land usage to ensure an affordable rating level for all ratepayers.

For further information about the reasons for differential rates, please refer to our Differential Rates Statement of Objections and Reasons.