FAQs

Rates are a tax levied on all rateable properties within the boundaries of the City of Kwinana in accordance with the Local Government Act 1995.

The overall objective of the proposed rates in the 2025/2026 Budget is to provide for the net funding requirements of the City’s services, activities, financing costs and the current and future capital requirements of the City, after taking into account all other forms of revenue. The formulation of a rating system is about achieving a means by which Council can raise sufficient revenue to pay for the services it provides.

Local Governments calculates the rates to be paid on your individual property by using the following formula: property valuation x rate in the dollar (RiD) = rate payable. The property valuation is determined by the Landgate division of the State Government, by determining the values of the total properties in the City of Kwinana. 

The rate in the dollar is then calculated by the City, by working out how much it will cost to run services and provide support to the community and dividing that overall amount by the amount of ‘rateable properties’ in Kwinana.

Rates are a significant proportion of the City’s revenue and are used to achieve the objectives of the Integrated Planning Framework of the City. The purpose of levying rates is to meet the City’s budget requirements to deliver services and infrastructure each financial year.

 The Long-Term Financial Plan (LTFP) is a strategic document designed to ensure the financial sustainability of the City for at least 10 years. Following the successful grant application of a $17 million Federal grant for the renewal and upgrade of the Recquatic Centre and the City Centre Precinct Plan, a review of the LTFP was prompted. The total cost for the refurbishment of the Recquatic centre and Administration Building is forecasted to be $41 million. The LTFP review will bring forward the refurbishment of the Recquatic Centre and will update the economic outlook based on recent economic data.

Like the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures the increase in costs of general household items, the Local Government Cost Index (LGCI) measures the increase in costs of items typically purchased by local governments. The City’s current Strategic Community Plan (SCP) stipulates that its rating strategy is based on the projected LGCI plus the expenses associated with renewing the City’s asset infrastructure. Further the City's current Asset Management plans indicate that both the Administration Building and the Recquatic Centre are ageing and require renewal to improve and cater for the growing needs of the community.

 The LGCI as published by WALGA in April 2025 is forecasted at 3.3% for 2025/2026 financial year. Although the LGCI is projected at 3.3%, City officers recommend a 4.5% increase for these reasons: 

• Funding of major infrastructure projects by the City, an additional 1.2% rate increase is intended to finance the repayment of a $6.18 million loan in 2026 for the Administration Building, which corresponds to a 0.3% of the rate increase. The remainder of the increase will be allocated for the refurbishment of the Recquatic Centre during the financial years 2027 and 2028.
• The impact of low rate increases in the previous years which were below the CPI and the LCGI is another contributing factor for the recommendation of a 4.5%

The City plans to review its operational efficiencies to ensure funding is provided for asset renewal, without affecting the level of service. An overall rates levy of 4.5% is proposed, which will generate rates income of $54,430,025.

Throughout Western Australia, the basis of using property valuations has been found to be the most appropriate means of achieving rating equity; however, the achievement of a wholly equitable rating system for all properties, in all areas, is a difficult task if it is based on the property valuations alone. For this reason, there are refinement options made available, such as differential rating, that the City of Kwinana has elected to use. Differential rating allows a Council to impose differential general rates according to any or a combination of the following characteristics:

a. the purpose for which the land is zoned, whether or not under a local

b. planning scheme or improvement scheme in force under the Planning and Development Act 2005; or

c. a purpose for which the land is held or used as determined by the local government; or

d. whether or not the land is vacant land; or

e. any other characteristic or combination of characteristics prescribed.

The City provides a number of rate payment options from online payments, to direct debit or instalment plans. We also have a hardship policy to support those in our community who may be going through a tough time. The City is committed to working with its ratepayers to find a solution that meets their needs. Any ratepayer in need of assistance is encouraged to contact our friendly rates team on 9439 0200 or email rates@kwinana.wa.gov.au.

We encourage ratepayers to register for erates as you will no longer receive a mailed paper copy of your rate or installment notices. 

Register for ERates

If you believe your property has been incorrectly valued, you may lodge an objection with Landgate Valuation Services within 60 days after the date of issue of the rate notice.
Landgate can be contacted on 08 9273 7373, or visit the Landgate website.
 If an objection is lodged the rate account is still required to be paid in full by the due date or by the instalment option. If a valuation is amended an interim rate notice will be issued showing any adjustments and a refund made if applicable.