Rates are calculated on the land valuation of a property, multiplied by a 'rate in the dollar'. The land value is determined by the Land and Property Information Division of the Department of Lands (formerly known as the NSW Valuer General's Office).

Land valuations

The current land valuations being used by the Council in the calculation of your annual rates are for valuation 'base date' 1 July 2009.  Property owners in the Randwick City area receive new valuations from the Valuer General's Office for rating purposes every three years.

If you don't agree with your land value, you generally have 60 days to object to the valuation after you receive your Notice of Valuation. The Department of Lands will facilitate your objection when you contact their Objection Call Centre on 1800 110 038 or by visiting their website 

You must still pay your rates while your objection is being considered. The Department of Lands will advise you in writing of their decision, including the final date for an appeal. If you don't agree with the valuation, you have limited time to appeal to the Land and Environment Court. 

Rate pegging and special variations

In June 2010, The Minister for the Division of Local Government approved our application for a special variation to fund our Buildings for our Community program with the following rate increases to apply:

2010-11        5.29%

2011-12        6.24%

2012-13        6.28%

During the period of this special variation, Council's overall rates revenue cannot increase by more than the approved increases each year.  When overall land values rise, the Council may have to reduce or otherwise adjust the amounts levied per dollar so that total income does not grow by more than the percentage increase approved by the Minister. 

Categorisation of land

All rateable land within Randwick City Council is categorised as either residential or business. Council decides which category your property should be in based on its characteristics and use. Most people are charged ordinary rates under the residential category.

Categories are important, because rates differ depending on the category of the land. For example, if your land is categorised as residential you may pay a lower rate per dollar of land value than if your land is categorised as business. In some instances when a property is a mix of residential and business use, a mixed development factor is applied.

If usage of the property changes (for example, residential to business) you must notify Council. A rateable person may apply in writing to Council at any time for a review of the rating category of their property.

If you are not satisfied with the category given to your property, you may apply to council for the category to be reviewed. If you do this, council must notify you of their decision and the reasons for that decision. If you do not agree with the category given to your property, you may appeal to the Land and Environment Court. You must do this within 30 days of receiving council's review decision.