Rates are calculated by multiplying a property’s valuation by the rate in the dollar set by Council. The valuation for each property is determined by the Valuer General and is either a Gross Rental Value (GRV) or Unimproved Value (UV).
Gross Rental Value (GRV) is the fair annual rental value of your property and is an estimate of how much you could expect to receive if you were to rent your property. Where the property is vacant land, an equivalent GRV, based on 3% of the property value, is used.
For properties situated in the City of Kalamunda, the Unimproved Value (UV) is the site value of the land. In general, this means the value of the land as if it were vacant with no improvements except for merged improvements. Merged improvements relate to improvements such as clearing, draining and filling.
For Example: Gross Rental Value = $16,500 Rate in the Dollar = 7.0124 cents (GRV – General) Annual Rates amount = $16,500 x 0.070124
= $1,157.05
(Minimum Rates for this category are $1,240. If the rates amount equalled $1,240 or less, then this Minimum would be applied on the rate assessment.)
Unimproved Value = $375,000 Rate in the Dollar = .40300 cents (UV – General) Annual Rates amount = $375,000 x 0.004030
= $1,511.25
Landgate has further information on the valuations for rating and taxing on their website.
To ensure the City’s financial stability and provision of essential services, imposed rates align with the costs of services and infrastructure investments. The City monitors economic, demographic, and other factors to adjust rates proactively. By setting appropriate rates, the City can deliver quality services and secure its financial future, fostering a thriving and sustainable community.
The City operates much like any other business, with the goal of being financially sustainable. While we do not seek to make a profit, we aim to service our community efficiently, which comes with associated costs. These costs are passed on to ratepayers through rates, fees, and charges for services such as waste collection and hall hire etc. As these costs rise, it becomes necessary to adjust rates accordingly.
If the City did not undertake large-scale projects or provide essential facilities and infrastructure, the costs for ratepayers would indeed be lower. However, our community has expressed a clear desire for a vibrant environment with modern amenities. These enhancements come with a cost, but they also significantly contribute to the quality of life and the appeal of our area.
The City is a growing community. New residents expect high-quality services and well-maintained surroundings to ensure their property values remain stable or increase. Long-term residents, likewise, look forward to continuous improvements in their neighborhoods, protecting their investments and enhancing their living experience.
By delivering quality services and facilities, and maintaining our community and municipal infrastructure, we ensure that our district remains a desirable place to live. We are committed to balancing these enhancements with prudent financial management to ensure we meet the needs of all our residents.
Rates are due and payable either in full, or by 2 or 4 instalments by the due date.
You may apply for a payment arrangement by direct debit.
If you have a current Smarter Way to Pay agreement with the City this will continue as normal.
If you wish to make a new a payment arrangement, please contact the City’s rates department.
Please note: Penalty interest of 11% per annum will accrue daily on the balance of the overdue account, until it is fully paid.
If you feel that the valuation applied to your property is incorrect, you can lodge an objection with Landgate’s Valuer General’s Office, within 60 days of the issue of your rates notice.
For more information, please contact the Valuer General’s Office on (08) 9273 7373.
All property owners in Western Australia contribute to fire and emergency services through the Emergency Services Levy (ESL).
Local Governments collect the levy on behalf of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES). All funds collected are forwarded directly to DFES, who then redistribute the money to emergency services throughout the State.
For further information on the Emergency Services Levy please contact DFES on 1300 136 099 or visit their website: www.dfes.wa.gov.
Landgate has further information on the valuations for rating and taxing on their website: www.landgate.wa.gov.au
The entry pass for the Transfer Station is enclosed with the annual rate notice that is issued in July each year.
Please note, if you misplace or throw away your entry pass, there may be a replacement charge required to be paid at the Council’s administration building before entry to the Transfer Station can be permitted.
If you are registered with Council (and approved) for a full Pensioner concession you will also receive a discount for the first Standard Waste Service bin and this will be capped at $277.75. Therefore, the cost of the bin will be $397.20.
Different waste services charges apply for commercial and industrial categories.
If you order a Waste Service Bin during the year, you will be charged at a pro-rata charge from the date that the bin is ordered.
The waste collection charge includes the collection and disposal of:
The back of the rates notice has relevant information on the introduction of the Waste Avoidance & Resource Recovery (WARR) Levy and the charge set for 2025/26. In short, the WARR levy raised is to assist the City in managing its contaminated sites, typically consisting of old landfill sites from previous years. Landfill activities were not subject to the current Contaminated Sites Act and the impacts of these sites were not well known.
Under the Contaminated Sites Act 2003 the City has a responsibility to investigate, remediate and manage sites it has polluted (e.g., former landfill sites). Section 66 of the Waste Avoidance & Resource Recovery (WARR) Act 2007 allows local governments to impose a levy to assist with the management of contaminated sites. The City has eight sites consisting of 18 separate parcels of land currently under investigation or being managed. This equates to over 300ha of land.
The City is charged a fee for all credit card payments and this fee of 0.46% is on-charged to ratepayers.
Eligibility Criteria – to be eligible for a concession under the Rates and Charges (Rebates and Deferments Act) 1992:
A pro-rata rebate may be available from the date of registration for eligible registered Pensioners and Seniors who become eligible after 1 July of the current rating year.
If your circumstances change, particularly with respect to your ownership or occupancy of the property, or your eligibility as a Pensioner or Senior, you must notify the City or the Water Corporation. Your registration will be cancelled or amended as appropriate.
Register Concessions: Ratepayers can now register for their concession on the internet via watercorporation.com.au or apply over the phone to the Water Corporation on 1300 659 951. Concessions only apply once your application is received and registered.
The portion of the Rates and Charges for Concession card holders are due and payable as per any other Ratepayer either in full or by instalment by the due date shown on the rate notice, or by payment arrangement suitable to the City. If not paid by close of business 30 June 2026 the rebate is forfeited.
For further information please contact the Rates Department rates@kalamunda.wa.gov.au
We offer the convenience of eRates, which allows you to receive your annual and instalment rate notices by email. You can register online to opt in for this service. Subscribe for eRates.
In accordance with Sections 6.33 & 6.36 of the Local Government Act 1995 and the Council’s intention to continue levying differential rates for the 2025/2026 Financial Year, the City is required to publish its Objects and Reasons for implementing the differential rates categories.
For more information, visit the Objects and Reasons page.
A minimum rate is applied to all differential rating categories within the City of Kalamunda. The setting of the minimum rate is in recognition that every property within the City receives some minimum level of benefit from services provided. By adopting a minimum rate, Council takes this benefit into consideration.
The Rate in the Dollar has been updated to be reflective of the Budget Adoption as of 1 July 2026.
More information is available on the Objects and Reasons page.
Paying Your Rates
Objects & Reasons