The City of Kalamunda has corrected an administrative error affecting the 2026/27 Vacant Land Gross Rental Value (GRV) differential rate. Following approval through the State Administrative Tribunal process, Council adopted revised rates and an amended budget.
This page provides information about the correction, its impact on affected properties, available refund and credit options, and answers to frequently asked questions.
The City of Kalamunda identified an administrative error affecting the 2026/27 Vacant Land Gross Rental Value (GRV) differential rate.
The adopted rate in the dollar exceeded a legislative threshold that requires Ministerial approval under the Local Government Act 1995. As this approval had not been obtained, corrective action was required.
To resolve the matter, the City sought legal advice and applied to the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT), which enabled Council to adopt corrected rates and amend the budget.
The Vacant Land GRV differential rate exceeded the statutory threshold at which Ministerial approval is required. The rate was adopted without that approval being obtained.
Once identified, the City acted to correct the issue in accordance with legislative requirements.
The correction affects 469 Vacant Land GRV properties, comprising:
Only properties within the Vacant Land GRV rating category are affected.
Affected property owners have been contacted directly by the City and provided with updated rates information.
The impact varies depending on the property.
For most properties paying the minimum rate, the adjustment is approximately $5.
For properties paying above the minimum rate, the average adjustment is approximately $69.
The exact adjustment is shown in the correspondence issued to affected property owners.
Yes, where an overpayment has occurred, affected ratepayers may request a refund.
Alternatively, the amount can remain on the property account as a credit and be applied to future rates charges.
If there is an outstanding rates balance, any adjustment may be applied against the amount still owing.
If you have questions about your individual account, please contact the City.
No immediate action is required.
Affected ratepayers have already been contacted and provided with information about their options. If you wish to request a refund or discuss your account, please contact the City.
No.
The adjustment has no impact on the City's services, project delivery, community programs or capital works program.
The issue only relates to the 2026/27 Vacant Land GRV differential rate category.
Other rating categories are unaffected.
The issue related specifically to the Vacant Land GRV differential rate category. Council amended the relevant rates resolution and associated budget figures to correct the matter.
The remainder of the City's adopted budget, fees and charges, reserves, borrowings and capital works program remain valid and unaffected.
The issue was identified after the rates were adopted as part of governance and compliance review processes.
Once identified, the City acted promptly to obtain legal advice and implement a lawful correction process.
Yes.
Following the SAT process, Council adopted corrected rates and amended the budget. The matter has now been resolved.
If you have questions about the rates adjustment or your individual rates account, please contact the City of Kalamunda:
Phone: 9257 9999Email: enquiries@kalamunda.wa.gov.au
You can also view the relevant Council report and supporting documentation via the links below
ordinary-council-meeting---agenda---27-october-2026.pdf
10-6-5-1-attachment-1---state-administrative-tribunal---orders.pdf
10-6-5-2-attachment-2---amended-annual-budget-2026-2027.pdf
10-6-5-3-attachment-3---amended-objects-and-reasons-2026-27.pdf
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