Rates
What it Means to be a Ratepayer
Being a property owner in the Shire of Boyup Brook requires the payment of rates each year. Your rates provide Council with the revenue needed to manage all the services and facilities which makes the Boyup Brook Shire a great place to live in.
Each financial year – as our Shire’s needs change and as per the Long Term Financial Plan, a new budget is prepared to support the needs of the entire community. On adoption by Council of the current year financial budget, rate notices will be printed and mailed to the postal addresses as provided by the ratepayer.
Who Pays Rates?
Rates must be collected from anyone who owns property in the Shire. The Shire currently has four wards Benjinup, Dinninup, Boyup Brook and Scotts Brook. To amend or alter your rates address the Shire requires a formal notice in writing from the owner.
Why we Pay Rates
Rates are Council’s basic source of income and help pay for the many necessary services and facilities provided by the Shire. These include the paths you walk or ride along every day and the playgrounds and barbecue areas available for you and your families to use. Your Council supports varied lifestyles, which we all appreciate in the Shire.
But it is not only ratepayers who fund the Council’s projects and activities. Council aims to keep rates as reasonable as possible by gaining as much as is possible from investments, fees and charges and Federal and State Government grants.
Having Your Say on Proposed Rates
Each year, Council advertises and encourages feedback on its plans for the future. Ratepayers are encouraged to take the opportunity to study and comment on these important documents as both have implications on the rates imposed and services provided.
Emergency Services Levy (ESL)
The Emergency Services Levy (ESL) appearing on your rates notice is an important contribution to assist our fire fighters in a volunteer capacity, for our Fire and Rescue Services, Bush Fire Brigade and the State Emergency Service. The Emergency Services Levy is not a Council charge, but is collected by local governments on behalf of the State Government. If you have any enquires relating to the levy, please contact the Department of Fire and Emergency Services on 1300 136 099 or access their website at www.dfes.wa.gov.au.
Rate Payment Methods
Rate payments may be made:
- In person at the Shire Office located on Abel Street Boyup Brook 8:30am and 4:30pm Monday to Friday. Payments at the Shire office can be made with cash, cheque*, debit card or credit card.
- Over the phone with credit card
- By mail (cheque* or money order only)
- B-Pay see your rates notice for full details
* cheques can not be split.
Please check your rates notice for full payment details.
If you are experiencing any difficulties in paying your rates, it is essential to contact the Rates Officer prior to the final due date for payment. Alternative payment plans must be authorised by the Shire’s Chief Executive Officer, which may be subject to an administration charge being applied and also interest will be applicable on outstanding rates. Legal action for recovery may be taken against those ratepayers who do not meet payment obligations and undertakings. All costs associated with legal action are recoverable from the ratepayer and will be added to the account. The Rates Officer will be pleased to assist you and can be contacted by calling (08) 9765 1200.