A message from Shire President Julia Meldrum
Last night, Council considered rates for the 2025-26 financial year.
Rates are an investment in making the shire a great place to live, and the main way we fund all the things our community needs - from fixing roads and building play spaces for our kids, to protecting our unique environment and creating vibrant community facilities.
State legislation (Local Government Act 1995 and the Valuation of Land Act 1978) requires rates to be calculated using property valuations set by Landgate multiplied by a ‘rate in the dollar’ set by Council.
From 1 July 2025, the gross rental value (GRV) of non-rural properties throughout the shire will increase by an average of 31%. Rather than passing on the full Landgate GRV increase to ratepayers, council is proposing to reduce the ‘rate in the dollar’ to ease the impact on ratepayers.
To ensure we can continue delivering the services our community deserves and meet rising operating costs, we do need to increase our overall rates revenue by a minimum of 4.9%. This means the average household will pay an extra $2.83 a week, or $148 a year, depending on how much your individual property valuation has changed.
We’re also introducing a simpler, fairer rating structure which reduces the number of rating categories and adjusts minimum payments in line with State legislation and guidelines.
Behind the scenes, we also continue to push for greater State and Federal investment in our Shire and a review of current funding models to reflect our growing popularity as a tourism destination.
Tourism is a vital part of our local and state economy, yet current grant funding models are based on the size of our permanent population. We want these models revised to ensure we can maintain quality services and infrastructure enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
Before finalising the 2025-26 rates, we invite the community to share their thoughts in writing no later than 5.00pm on Sunday 22 June 2025. Go to Notice of Intension to Levy Differential rates 2025-26 Financial Year for more information or visit our Shire Office in Margaret River or Augusta. You may also like to read our 2025-26 Rates FAQs.
Residents can also discuss the proposed rates with Shire Officers at a community Q&A session on Wednesday 4 June, from 4.30pm to 6.30pm in the Council Chambers.
Julia Meldrum
Shire President