Rates Booklet 2012-2013

Rates Booklet 2012-2013

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IntroductionThis booklet is designed to help ratepayers better understand the rating system of Local Government and how Council utilises funds raised by rating to provide infrastructure and services.In this booklet you will find an explanation of Budget 2012/13 and information on general rates, cleansing charges, sewerage charges and also an explanation about how you might go about seeking a review of your rate category.Council has endeavoured to provide you with as much information as possible, but if you require further information, please contact your nearest Council office. Details can be found on the back cover.

IndexYour Councillors .................................................. Page 3Message from the Mayor .................................... Page 4Your Guide to the Budget ..................................... Page 5Where does the money come from? .................... Page 6Where will the money go? ................................... Page 7So what's the effect on rates? ............................. Page 8-10What's been funded? - Highlights 2012-13 .......... Page 112012-2013 Rates and Charges ........................... Page 12Category descriptions ......................................... Page 12-14Sewerage Charges .............................................. Page 14-15Water Rates and Charges .................................... Page 15-16Water Usage ....................................................... Page 16Cleansing Utility Charges ..................................... Page 17Fire Levies .......................................................... Page 17The Rate Cap ...................................................... Page 17Pension Remission ............................................. Page 18Discounts ........................................................... Page 18Payment options ................................................. Page 19Overdue rates ..................................................... Page 19-20Selling Property or Change of Address ................ Page 20How to object to a Category ................................ Page 21-23Contact Council .................................................. Page 24

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Your Councillors

Cr Col [email protected]

Cr Maxine [email protected]

Cr Ren [email protected]

Cr Karen [email protected]

Cr Rick [email protected]

Cr Leo [email protected]

Cr Graham [email protected]

Cr Matt [email protected]

Cr Gail Sellers MAYOR

[email protected]

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A Message from your MayorIt is with great pleasure that I present this Budget on behalf of the newly-elected Gladstone Regional Council.

A key aspect of the development of the Budget has been on ensuring that short term decisions are in line with Council’s Long Term Financial Plan, which has received a Sound Rating by Queensland Treasury Corporation for this long term plan.

This means Council has been able to consider the long-term picture of service levels, rate increases, capital programs and borrowing levels when developing its budget.

The challenge for this Council remains to balance the pressures of growth while operating in an environment that is producing a number of affordability issues.

This financial year, $188 million of the $328 million Budget will be invested in the capital expenditure required to ensure our region keeps pace with the ongoing demands for soft and hard infrastructure, and to repair flood damaged roads.

A total of $45 million of funding has been provided by the Federal and State Government through the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements.

The overall impact of the 2012-13 Budget on residential and rural sectors, based on our annual sample of properties across all localities, is 1.42 per cent, or $34 for the year.

Meanwhile, general rate revenue from the residential sector will increase by just 1.6 per cent in 2012-13.

This is in line with CPI for the last 12 months, through to the end of March 2012, and is below the local government cost index, prepared by the LGAQ, of 3.6%.

This Rates Explained Booklet and Budget Summary has been produced to help explain our Budget 2012-13 and give ratepayers an understanding of where their funds are spent.

Please visit Council’s website at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au to download a copy of Budget 2012-13, view our Media Kit and find out where Council intends on spending money in the coming year.

Your Mayor, Gail Sellers

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Gladstone Regional Council handed down

Budget 2012-13 on August 6. Council has

included this guide to the Budget to explain

what the Budget involves and the key affects for

residents. A full copy of the Budget and Council’s

annual Operational Plan are available from our

website at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au

Your Guide to the Budget

The Operating Budget

The “operating budget” is the money required for operating and maintaining existing services and infrastructure, such as roads, water, sewerage and parks. This includes the day-to-day running of the many community and recreation facilities, including Council’s libraries, administration centres, art gallery, community advisory service, pools and entertainment centre.

The Capital Budget

The “capital budget” is the money allocated to providing new infrastructure or adding new components to existing infrastructure. Examples of capital projects include building new parks, roads, bridges and transport facilities; new community centres; or adding new components to existing parks, buildings or water and sewerage networks.

There are two parts to the Budget: Operational v Capital

What's the difference?

$140 millionTOTAL OPERATING BUDGET

$188 millionTOTAL CAPITAL BUDGET

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Where Does The Money Come From?The bulk of Council’s operating budget revenue is generated through general rates and service charges. General rates are essentially a tax on property and are based on the unimproved value of land. Service charges are levied on properties that receive a specific service.

REVENUE SOURCES2012-2013 CAPITAL BUDGET

The charts show the source of Council’s operating and capital budget revenue

Operating Grants & Contributions 10%

Interest 3%

Fees & Charges

17%

Rates & Service Charges 67%

Recoverable Works 3%

REVENUE SOURCES2012-2013 CAPITAL BUDGET

Transfer from Reserves 26%

External Capital Grants & Subisidies 54%

Loan Funding 20%

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Where Will The Money Go?EXPENDITURE BY DEPARTMENT

Council’s business is divided into directorates. Each directorate is provided with a budget allocation to maintain and operate existing infrastructure and services and for new capital projects. Listed below are Council’s Directorates and a brief listing of their major areas of responsibility.

Office of the Chief Executive Officer

Strategic Management of the Organisation; Council Meeting Management; Governance and Legal functions; Human Resources; Occupational Health & Safety; Internal Audit; and Business Improvement.

Chief Financial Officer

Budget; Financial Management including Rating; Asset Management Coordination; Disaster Management; Corporate Performance & Reporting; and Risk Management.

Corporate & Community Services

Arts & Culture including Performing Arts/Gladstone Entertainment Centre; Arts & Heritage/Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum; Libraries; Customer Relations; Information & Communication Technology; Records Management; Customer Service; Communications & Marketing; Community Wellbeing including Human & Social Services; Community Health and Sport & Recreation; Contracts & Facilities including Fleet Management; Contracts Management; Procurement & Stores; Property Services; Project Services; and Gladstone Airport.

Planning and Environment

Planning Assessment; Development Works; Building & Plumbing; Strategic Planning; Economic Development; Parks & Environment; Conservation & Rural Land Management; Environmental Health; Local Law Enforcement; and Animal Management.

Engineering Services

Road Construction & Maintenance; Drainage Operations; Water & Sewerage Operations; Design Services; Local Government Public Car Parks; Street Sweeping; Footpath Management; and Waste Management.

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Where the Money is Being Spent Operationally

Capital Expenditure Analysis 2012-13 Budget

So What's The Effect On Rates?

GENERAL RATESIn developing this Budget, Council was very aware of the following factors:

• The cost pressures placed on the community in the current economic environment.

• Council’s re-valuation by the Valuer-General during the financial year, which saw valuations across the region as a whole increase by 18.3%.

*1.6%

RESIDENTIAL GENERAL RATE * Properties that are subject to the rate cap may experience a greater increase in general rates up to the maximum of the rate cap which is 10% for rural and residential properties and 15% for business, commercial and light industrial properties.

Finance 9%

Office of the CEO 3%

Corporate & Community Services 18%Debt Repayments 7%

Transfer to Reserves 17%

Parks & Recreation 12%

Sewerage 7%

Waste 4%

Roads & Drainage Network 11%

Water 12%

Fleet 5%Parks & Environment 2%

Waste 2%

Sewerage 27%

Roads & Drainage Network 35%

Corporate & Community Services 22%

Water 7%

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• The CPI for the last 12 months, through to the end of March 2012, was 1.6%, while the local government cost index, prepared by LGAQ, was 3.6%.

General rate revenue generated from the residential sector will increase by 1.6% next year. 23% of residential property owners (4,651 properties) will receive a rate reduction.

A further 18.1% (3,637 properties) will receive an increase of less than the CPI of 1.6%. The balance will have varying increases with the maximum increase capped at 10%.

The rate cap will not be applied to bulk residential development properties.

General rate revenue from the rural, business and light industrial sectors will also increase by 1.6% next year.

GARBAGE COLLECTION CHARGEDomestic garbage collection charges for the two bin system increases to $258 throughout the region in 2012-2013.

= No change

1770/AGNES WATER

SEWERAGESewerage charges will increase across the board by $1 per week (except for Seventeen Seventy and Agnes Water) as follows:

$1GLADSTONE

per week($52 per annum)

5.8¢GLADSTONE REGION


$1BOYNE/TANNUM/CALLIOPE


Service Area 2011-2012 Rate 2012-2013 Rate

Gladstone $449 $501

Boyne/Tannum/Calliope

$574 $626

1770/Agnes Water $874 $874

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SCHEME 2011-2012 Rate 2012-2013 Rate

Lake Awoonga $288 $317

Miriam Vale/Bororen $373 $410

1770/Agnes Water $441 $454

WATER CHARGESWATER ACCESS CHARGE (operation, maintenance and up-grading of the network)The water access charge will in-crease by a maximum of 71 cents per week in the respective schemes as follows:

56¢LAKE AWOONGA SCHEME


71¢M’VALE/BOROREN SCHEME


25¢1770/AGNES WATER SCHEME


WATER CONSUMPTION CHARGE(per kilolitre charge for water consumed)To reflect the cost of water charged by the Gladstone Area Water Board, under a pricing mechanism independently received by the Queensland Competition Authority, the overall cost of water with the Lake Awoonga Scheme decreases from $1.95 to $1.55 per 1000 litres, representing a decrease of 40¢ per kilolitre. Gladstone Regional

Council will pass on this charge to its consumers. The water consumption charges in the Seventeen Seventy/Agnes Water operated schemes will see an increase of 11c per kilolitre.

= No change

M’VALE/BOROREN SCHEME

SCHEME 2011-2012 Rate 2012-2013 Rate

Lake Awoonga $1.95/kl $1.55/kl

Miriam Vale/Bororen $3.50/kl $3.50/kl

1770/Agnes Water $3.44/kl $3.55/kl

40¢

LAKE AWOONGA SCHEME

per kilolitre

11¢1770/AGNES WATER SCHEME

per kilolitre

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CORPORATE & COMMUNITY SERVICES• Gladstone Entertainment Centre Precinct Expansion - $21

million (Council proportion).• Boyne Tannum Sports Park Development stage one -

$2.6 million.• Gladstone Aquatic Centre redevelopment, including water

play park featuring water activities, toddlers pool, adult viewing area - $2 million ($1 million carried over from 2011-12 budget).

• Replace heating system for Gladstone Aquatic Centre indoor pool - $480,000.

ENGINEERING SERVICES• Flood restoration works to return the region’s Council

controlled roads to pre-flood 2010-11 condition – estimated $44 million.

• Water and sewerage works including upgrades to the Gladstone Waste Water Treatment Plant and Miriam Vale Water treatment plants, and the pipeline to Curtis Island - $51 million.

• Road works, including Lowmead Rd upgrade and gravel road resheeting, asphalt overlay and bitumen reseal projects throughout region - $11.65 million.

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT• Park maintenance and improvements - $9.6 million.• Upkeep of public amenities through region - $1.79 million• Construction of a new animal pound in the Gladstone area

- $1 million.• Strategic Planning: $900,000 to accelerate the progress

of the Our Place Our Plan single planning scheme for the region.

• Conservation measures - $740,000.• Cemetery upgrades including stage one works at the new

Calliope cemetery - $670,000.• Implementing long and short-term economic development

strategies - $500,000.• Tondoon Botanic Gardens maintenance work - $540,000.

A full list of highlights is available from Council's website under 'About Council' and 'Finance' tabs at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au

What’s Been Funded? - Highlights 2012-13

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2012-2013 RATES AND CHARGESDifferential General RatesCouncil will levy differential general rates in accordance with Section 15 of the Local Government (Finance, Plans and Reporting) Regulation 2010 based on the use or authorised use of land. Sixteen (16) categories of differential rates will apply:

The Council will utilise the provisions of Section 50 of the Local Government (Finance, Plans and Reporting) Regulation 2010 to set a maximum percentage that some categories will increase above that levied in the previous year. Principally, the rate cap is a smoothing mechanism which will be used to ameliorate the impact of large valuation increases on residential, rural, small businesses and the light industrial land uses which have less capacity to absorb abnormal cost increases.Categories of rateable land for the purpose of the levy of differential rates, and a description of each of the categories, are as follows:

Category 1Land used, or approved for development, predominantly as low density residential land, including residential land comprising scheme land for community titles schemes containing only two

Category Cents in the Dollar Minimum Cap

Category 1 0.757 $769 10%

Category 2 0.52 $6,207 10%

Category 3 0.78 $769 10%

Category 4 0.757 N/A N/A

Category 5 0.757 $769 N/A

Category 6 1.62 $769 10%

Category 7 1.70 $846 15%


Category 9 3.00 $95,048 N/A

Category 10 3.37 $99,783 N/A

Category 11 1.91 $846 15%

Category 12 14.877 $2,250 50%

Category 13 95.98 $752,522 50%

Category 14 15.40 $2,250 50%



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lots, with a rateable value not exceeding $810,000, excluding land in Category 6.Category 2Land used, or approved for development predominantly as low density residential land, with a rateable value exceeding $810,001.Category 3(a) Land used, or approved for development, for rural

activities, and for which the Valuer General has determined as the rateable value an unimproved value (rather than a site value).

(b) Land located on any of the islands within the region, excluding land used for commercial or industrial purposes.

Category 4Land that qualifies for discounted valuation pursuant to section 50 of the Land Valuation Act 2010. Category 5Vacant residential land for which the Valuer General has determined as the rateable value a site value (rather than an unimproved value), and that has an area greater than 5 hectares.Category 6Land hosting multi-dwellings:(a) including flats, duplexes, boarding houses, guest houses,

and community titles schemes containing more than 2 lots; but

(b) excluding motels.Category 7Land wholly or partly used for business or commercial purposes, including motels and construction camps, but not for industrial purposes.Category 8Drive-in shopping centres with floor space of at least 2,000m2 but less than 5,000m2Category 9Drive-in shopping centres with floor space of at least 5,000m2 but less than 10,000m2 Category 10Drive-in shopping centres with floor space of 10,000m2 or more. Category 11(a) Land wholly or partly used for industrial purposes other

than major industry.(b) Land held under a mining lease.(c) Land used for extractive industry purposes.Category 12(a) Land used for a major industrial purpose or in conjunction

with major industry, including:• all land within a Major Industry and Infrastructure Zone

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under the Planning Scheme adopted by the Gladstone City Council on 29 December 2006 (the GCC Planning Scheme), and

• all land within a Major Industry Zone and a Major Infrastructure Zone under the Planning Scheme adopted by the Calliope Shire Council on 13 April 2007 (the Calliope Planning Scheme), and

• all land within the Gladstone State Development Area as designated by the Coordinator General Queensland, being used either wholly or partly for a commissioned major industrial purpose.

(b) Land upon which is located, either wholly or partly, an industrial facility whose primary purpose is the generation of electricity.

(c) Land upon which is located, either wholly or partly, an industrial facility whose primary purpose is the manufacture of aluminium oxide.

Category 13All land within the Gladstone State Development Area as designated by the Co ordinator General Queensland, being developed for future major industrial use.Category 14Rateable land upon which are located, or are being developed, storage or handling facilities for commodities or containers shipped through the Port of Gladstone, including strategic port land occupied by an entity other than a port authority, the State, or a government entity for the Government Owned Corporations Act 1993.Category 15Strategic port land for the Transport Infrastructure Act, other than strategic land in category 14, upon which are located storage or handling facilities for commodities or containers shipped through the Port of Gladstone.Category 16Land hosting a bulk storage facility with a capacity greater than 1,000,000 litres of any combustible liquid or flammable liquid.

Sewerage Charges

Unit Charge

Urban Sewerage Scheme - Gladstone $50.10 per unit

Urban Sewerage Scheme - Boyne Island, Tannum Sands and Calliope

$62.60 per unit

Urban Sewerage Scheme -Agnes Water/Seventeen Seventy

$87.40 per unit

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Water Rates and ChargesYour water levy is split into two components: A fixed cost component and a consumption component.A base charge or a fixed cost component meets the costs that are incurred independently from the use of the system.As such, this charge would apply to all connected and vacant land within the water scheme area. In addition, all consumers should share the “fixed costs” of the service provision in proportion to the rate at which water may be obtained. That is in proportion to the equivalent number of base (20mm) services corresponding to the particular service size. The table below details the charges to apply to the respective meter sizes in each of Council’s water schemes for the 2012-2013 financial year. This charge will be levied annually.(a) Fixed Cost Component – Standard Service

Water Service

Size

Lake Awoonga Treated Water

Scheme

Miriam Vale & Bororen

Treated Water Scheme

Agnes Water/ Seventeen

Seventy Treated Water Scheme

Vacant $317 $410 $454

20mm $317 $410 $454

25mm (Domestic)

$317 $410 $454

25mm (Other)

$495 $640 $708

32mm $812 $1,050 $1,162

40mm $1,268 $1,640 $1,816

50mm $1,981 $2,563 $2,838

80mm $5,072 N/A $7,264

100mm $7,925 N/A $11,350

150mm $17,831 N/A N/A

200mm $31,700 N/A N/A

250mm $49,531 N/A N/A

300mm $71,325 N/A N/A

Each type of property is allocated a “unit” classification. By way of example a residential dwelling in each scheme is equivalent to 10 units. A residential property in Gladstone will pay $501 for this service in 2012-2013. Properties other than single unit dwellings may incur additional charges.

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How much water we use

Having a bath 120-140 litres per bath

Having a shower 20-60 litres per shower

Flushing the toilet 13 litres per flush

Washing up- In the kitchen sink- In the dishwasher

8-15 litres per bowl40-70 litres per load

In the washing machine- Twin Tub- Automatic

30-35 litres per bowl130-180 litres per cycle

Washing the car 80-110 litres

Watering the lawn- Handheld- Sprinkler

650-750 litres per hour800-1100 litres per hour

How much water we waste

A dripping tap 40-80 litres per day

A faulty toilet cistern 80-200 litres per day

Water Usage

(c) The Beecher/Burua and Tuckers Road constant flow water system:

Fixed or Access Charge $317.00 per connectionConsumption Charge $1.72 per kilolitre*

Flow Rate Maximum Annual Usage Charge

0.4 211kls $679.92

0.7 368kls $949.96

1 526kls $1221.72

1.3 684kls $1493.48* Discount may apply to this charge.

(b) Consumption charge per kilolitre by supply type and water scheme:

Scheme $ per Kilolitre

Lake Awoonga Treated Water Scheme $1.55

Miriam Vale & Bororen Treated Water Scheme

$3.50

Agnes Water / Seventeen Seventy Treated Water Scheme

$3.55

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Cleansing utility charges - collection of rubbishThere is a uniform charge of $258 per annum for the two bin refuse and recycling domestic service throughout the region.Additional services are available upon request. The charge for this service applies, even when not used. A rebate will not be allowed for periods in which the premises are unoccupied.When the Rates Section is notified of a final building or plumbing certificate for the completion of the construction of a new dwelling, Council calculates a pro rata cleansing charge from the date of completion to the end of June in the financial year.

Do I have access to a wheelie bin service? Waste and recycling services are available to residents situated within the major haul route of the refuse vehicle. Please contact your local office to confirm the availability of a service to your property.For information on Council’s transfer stations and recently-introduced ‘Sort and Save’ campaign, visit Council’s website at www.gladstone.qld.gov.au.

Fire LeviesUrban Fire LeviesUnder the Urban Fire Levy Scheme, Local Governments have the responsibility of collecting urban fire levies on behalf of the State Government. Discount does not apply to the Fire Levy.

Rates will be charged yearlyRate notices are issued annually except for water consumption charges which are issued half yearly. Supplementary Rate Notices are issued throughout the year for properties that undergo changes i.e.- Subdivision, Building Final etc.

The rate capThe rate cap is designed to buffer increases in rates due to large valuation increases. A rate cap of 10% for residential & rural properties on the general rate means that irrespective of any large change to your valuation, your general rates will only increase by 10% from that paid in the previous year. A 15% rate cap also applies to businesses and commercial (Category 7) and light industrial (Category 11) properties.

The rate cap cannot apply in situations where a subdivision, re-survey or amalgamation of the lot has occurred.

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Pension Remission ConditionsCouncil and the State Government recognises the special needs of pensioners and offers a Pension Remission of rates to financially assist eligible pensioners. The remission encourages pensioners to be independent and live in their own home where possible, which Council believes provides a ‘quality of life’ benefit.

The State Government grants a remission of 20% of all rates and charges (not including water consumption) to a maximum of $200 per year for the pensioner’s principle place of residence.

To be eligible you must be a holder of

• A Current Centrelink Queensland Pensioner Concession Card

• A Veteran Affairs Gold Card, or

• A Veteran Affairs Pensioner Concession Card

Gladstone Regional Council also provides a fur ther Subsidy of 50% of the General Rate to a maximum of $290 per year to Pensioners who

• meet the above State Government Guidelines

• and reside in an approved Residence which complies with Standard Building Law

Please contact Council’s Rates Depar tment on (07) 4976 6999 for an application if you have recently received your Pension Concession Card, or have purchased a dwelling within our region.

Council and the State Government does NOT currently provide rebates for Seniors Cards, Health Care Cards, Health Benefit Cards and Repatriation Health cards for special conditions.

DiscountsDiscount will apply for the payment of the general rates and charges, (excluding state fire levy and water consumption) as follows:• 10% for payment within 30 days; or• a 5% discount if the account is paid between 31-60 days.BPAY and Post Billpay payments should be made at least two days prior to the close of the discount period to ensure that payment is received by Council by the due date.

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Payment optionsCan I pay in instalments?Council understands that a rates notice can arrive at a difficult time when there are other bills to pay. This is why Council offers its ratepayers an instalment scheme.

To pay your rates by instalments, simply fill in the form on the back of your rates notice and return it to your local office. Your first payment will be due on the 21st of the month following the issue of the rate notice and then on the 21st of each month following.

Please remember that you cannot participate in this scheme if Council has not received your signed instalment slip.

Ratepayers participating in the instalment scheme will not benefit from the discount offered to those paying within 30 or 60 days.

How do I pay?Please refer to the back of your rates notice for payment options. Please ensure the correct payment reference number and biller code for payment of all rates and water notices, as displayed on your 2012-2013 rates or water notice.

Overdue ratesAll rates are due and payable on the due date stated on the rate notice. Should rates remain unpaid after this date, they are deemed overdue and are subject to legal recovery action.

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InterestOverdue rates will attract interest of 11% per annum, compounding daily. Interest will apply from 365 days after the issue date stated on the rate notice.

Sale of land for arrears of ratesThe Queensland Local Government (Finance, Plans and Reporting) Regulation 2010 enables Council to sell land where rates have remained unpaid for in excess of three years, or after twelve months in the case of vacant or commercial properties. It is Council’s policy to conduct sale of land auctions on an annual basis.

Have you sold your propertyor changed your address?

To assist in the receipt of your important mail in a timely manner, please ensure that Council is aware of your correct postal address. Change of address needs to be advised in writing.

With electronic mail sorting now a prominent feature of Australia Post’s operations, it is important that the correct postal address and postcode is included on all mail. This allows Australia Post to deliver mail promptly and correctly.

There can be many localities within a single postcode. Therefore, all mail needs to be addressed with the correct locality for the area as determined by the Department of Environment and Resource Management. Residents should contact the Department to confirm their correct locality.

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How do I object to my rate category?This section deals with your appeal rights regarding the category of differential rates in which your proper ty has been placed. It is a requirement of the Queensland Local Government (Finance, Plans and Repor ting) Regulation 2010 that this be included with your rates notice.Your Rights of ObjectionYou, as landowner, may object to the categorisation of your land which has been made by Council. Such objection must be in writing and signed by the landowner and be submitted to Council within thirty days of the issue of the rate notice.The sole ground upon which you may object is that having regard to the criteria as outlined above, that your land should have been included in another category. The objection must clearly state the facts and circumstances on which the objection is made. Objection forms can be obtained from any of Council's Offices or from Council's website www.gladstone.qld.gov.au.Please note that giving a notice of objection will not in the meantime affect the levy and recovery of the rates specified in the rate notice. If your objection is upheld, a rate adjustment will be made at that time. A copy of the relevant provisions of the Local Government (Finance, Plans and Reporting) Regulation 2010 are as follows:Owner’s Objection to CategorisationSection 241. An owner of rateable land may object to the categorisation

of the land on the sole ground that, the owner considers the land should belong to a different rating category.

2. The objection must be made by giving notice to the local government on an objection notice.

The notice of the objection must:(a) Be given within 30 days after the date of issue of the

rate notice; (b) State the rating category in which the owner claims

the land should belong to, and(c) Specify the facts and circumstances on which the

claim is based.Decision on Owner’s ObjectionSection 251. If the owner of rateable land objects to the categorisation

of the land, Council may:(a) Allow the objection; or

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(b) Disallow the objection; or(c) Decide that the land should be included in another

rating category.2. The person must decide the objection and give written

notice of the decision to the owner, within 60 days after the objection was made.

3. The notice must include the decision and the reasons for the decision.

4. If the category of land is changed, the rating category is taken to have been changed from the start of the period of the rate notice.

Land Owners Appeal Against DecisionSection 261. If the owner of rateable land wants to appeal against:

(a) The decision on an objection to the categorisation of the land; or

(b) The failure by the decision maker to allow a further period to give a notice of objection;

2. The owner may appeal to the Land Court against the decision or failure, within 42 days after the day when the owner received notice of the decision.

3. The appeal must be in the form approved by the Land Court.

4. The owner must give a copy of the notice of appeal to Council within seven days after the notice of appeal is filed in the Land Court.

5. Failure to comply with subsection (4) does not affect the making of the appeal or the jurisdiction of the Land Court

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to decide the appeal, but costs of any adjournment caused by the failure may be awarded against the owner of the land.

Decision on a Land Owner’s AppealSection 27 (3) The Land Court may decide to:(a) if the appeal is against the decision of the local government

not to allow a longer period for giving an objection notice—(i) allow a longer period for giving an objection notice; or(ii) not allow the appeal.

(b) if the appeal is against the decision of the Chief Executive Officer on the owner’s objection to the rating category for the land—(i) change the rating category for the land; or(ii) not allow the appeal.

If the Land Court decides to change the rating category for the land, the rating category is taken to have been changed from the start of the period of the rate notice.

Levy and Recovery of Rate Unaffected by Objection or Appeal Section 23(2)

The making of an objection, or the starting of an appeal, does not stop the levying and recovery of rates on the land.

Gladstone

Boyne IslandTannum SandsCalliope

Yarwun

Targinnie

Mt Larcom

Ambrose

Raglan

Turkey Beach

Bororen

Miriam Vale

Builyan

UboboNagoorin

Many PeaksLowmead

BaffleCreek

Curtis Island

South End

Benaraby

Rules Beach

Rosedale

Seventeen Seventy

Agnes Water

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For more information please contact your local Council Office

Gladstone Office 101 Goondoon Street, Gladstone Q 4680

Calliope Office 5 Don Cameron Drive, Calliope Q 4680

Miriam Vale Office 36 Roe Street, Miriam Vale Q 4677

Or Visit Council’s Website www.gladstone.qld.gov.au

Contact Council on Phone 4970 0700 Fax 4975 8500

Email [email protected]

Budget2012-2013

Documents

Rates Booklet 2012-2013