Community feedback invited on proposed differential rates and minimum payments for 2026/27
The Shire of Augusta Margaret River is inviting community feedback on the proposed differential rates and minimum payments for 2026/27, after they were tabled at last night’s Council meeting.
The proposal for the upcoming financial year includes a 5.6 per cent increase for residential properties, which will see the average household pay an additional $2.48 per week, or $129 per year.
Shire President Julia Jean-Rice said the proposed increase will allow the local government to continue to maintain essential services for the Augusta Margaret River community.
“While the Shire is facing increasing operational costs, as ratepayers ourselves we understand the financial pressures many households are experiencing, so we’ve worked hard to keep the rate increase as modest as possible,” Shire President Jean-Rice said.
“We’re proposing to increase the rates for residential properties by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rate, plus one per cent, which is consistent the approach outlined in our Long-Term Financial Plan.”
“Our focus will be on continuing to provide important services and safe, well-maintained facilities and infrastructure, however rising costs and global uncertainty mean we’ll need to be flexible, and we may need to adjust some of our projects and programs as the year goes on.”
Feedback is also sought on proposed changes which will alter the way hosted Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) properties will be classified and rated.
Hosted STRA refers to accommodation where the owner lives on the property while earning income from short-term stays, such as renting out a spare room or granny flat for less than three months at a time.
The suggested change would mean that hosted STRA properties would be included under the Commercial, Industrial and Tourism differential rating category alongside “unhosted” STRA properties (holiday homes) and traditional tourism operators (such as hotels, motels and holiday parks[MS8.1]) and rated at a higher rate in the dollar amount.
Shire President Julia Jean Rice said the change would not affect property owners with long-term tenants and was part of the local government’s ongoing work to improve the fairness of the rating structure.
“Tourism is vital for our community and visitors to the region are always welcome,” she said.
“However, it’s important that all properties used for tourism make a contribution towards the additional costs incurred by the Shire to service visitors.”
Before finalising the 2026/27 rates, the Shire is inviting the community to share their thoughts via www.yoursay.amrshire.wa.gov.au no later than 9am on Monday 22 June 2026.
Interested community members are also invited to attend a drop-in session on 10 June 2026 at 5.30pm at the Margaret River Council Chambers. This session will be an opportunity to learn more about the proposed differential rates for 2026/27 and speak with members of the Shire’s finance team.