Rates Explained

Rates are calculated from property valuations supplied by the NSW Valuer General. The calculation of rates is tied to the unimproved value of your property.

Council uses the method of ad valorem and base amounts. Under this method, Council must impose a rate per dollar (ad valorem) of land value, with a base amount.

Calculate your rates

The NSW Valuer General supplies the land values used by Ballina Shire Council to levy ordinary rates. The Valuer General revalues properties every three years. The Valuer General is independent of Council.

A change in your land value does not always mean your rates will increase or decrease to correspond with this change. This is because Ballina Shire Council’s overall rates income is limited by rate pegging.

If you disagree with your Land Value used, you can contact the Valuer General for a review:

• Phone 1800 110 038
• valuergeneral.nsw.gov.au

Each year the NSW State Government through the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) sets a maximum percentage increase in the total income a council can receive from rates (the 'rate peg').

This limits the amount of income a council can raise via general rates.

To support future investment in our community, Ballina Shire Council has adopted a Special Rate Variation (SRV), which was approved by the NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) following an extensive community consultation process.

The SRV will be implemented over four years from 2026/27 to 2029/30 and is in addition to the annual rate peg set by IPART. The approved increase of 6% per year for four years, includes both the annual rate peg and the approved Special Rate Variation. This will provide additional funding to support ongoing investment in the infrastructure and services our community relies on every day.

This includes roads, footpaths, stormwater infrastructure, parks, sporting fields, playgrounds and community facilities, as well as increased investment in maintenance, community safety, biodiversity and waterway health initiatives.

The additional funding will help Council address rising costs, renew ageing assets and maintain service levels, ensuring Ballina Shire remains a great place to live, work and visit both now and into the future.

All rateable land within the Shire is categorised as either:

• Residential
• Business
• Farmland
• Mining

If your land use changes, you must notify Council within 30 days.

You can also request a review of your property’s category.

GST is not charged on Council rates. They are exempt from the Goods and Services Tax.

If you are paying in full, your rates are due on or before 31 August each financial year.

The due dates for quarterly instalments are:

Daily interest accrues on all overdue rates at 9.5% pa.

Overpayment of rates can only be refunded if your account is in credit. You will need to supply sufficient evidence of the payment and complete the:

• Rates / Water Payment Refund Request Form(PDF, 98KB)

An administration refund fee of $27 is also applicable as per Council’s fees and charges.

Council accepts periodical payment arrangements (weekly, fortnightly or monthly) to support your situation.

If you are experiencing severe financial difficulties you may apply for financial assistance under the Financial Assistance (Hardship) Rates and Charges Policy(PDF, 165KB):

• Hardship Rate Relief Application Form(PDF, 177KB)

If you hold a Pensioner Concession Card or Department of Veterans Affairs Card you may be eligible for a rebate on

• general rates
• water
• wastewater
• domestic waste management charges.

The maximum pensioner rebate for 2025/26 (100% eligibility per annum) is:

• $425 for residential properties
• $250 for rural properties with no water or wastewater charges.

To be eligible for the rebate:

• the applicant must be the owner, part owner or life tenant of the property (proof of life tenancy under a Will must be provided)
• the property must be the applicant’s principal place of residency as shown on their concession card
• complete the Pensioner Concession Application Form(PDF, 198KB), and return either by email to council@ballina.nsw.gov.au or in person (with your current pension card) to Council's Customer Service Centre, 40 Cherry Street, Ballina