Rates

City rates are calculated by multiplying a rate in the dollar (set by the Council) by your property valuation, as supplied by the WA State Government Valuation Services Department

The City sets the rate in the dollar as part of each year’s budget process. It is based on the City’s expenditure requirements, both operating and capital, offset by other forms of income such as government grants and fees for service.

There are two possible bases for the valuation of your property:

• Unimproved Value (UV) is used for primary producers whose main source of income is derived from the land, with activities such as farming and horticulture. This valuation is based on the unimproved capital value of the land.
• Gross Rental Value (GRV) is used for all other properties. The valuation is based on a theoretical annual rental value should the property be rented to a third party. If the land is vacant, the Valuation Services office will base the valuation on 5 per cent of the capital value.

Council sets a minimum rate to ensure that all ratepayers contribute an equitable amount for City services.

For further information on the calculation of rateable values, contact Landgate Valuation Services at the following website.

An objection to your valuation may be made within 60 days of the date of issue of the rates notice. Objection forms can be downloaded from the Valuation Services website or obtained from a City of Albany rates officer on 9841 9333.

Notices including City rates, annual rubbish fees and the State Government Emergency Services Levy are issued in August each year. There are three options for payment:

1. Payment in full within 35 days (a 2 per cent early payment discount applies to the rates component only)
2. Two instalments – September and January (fees apply)
3. Four instalments – September, November, January and March (fees apply) 

If you are having difficulty paying your rates, please contact one of our rates officers on 9841 9333 to discuss other possible options.

Payments can be made by any of the following methods:

• On the Payments page of the City of Albany Website
• Any Australia Post office (bring your rates notice)
• By Bpay - Biller No 35121
• By phone - 131816 (have your credit card number available)
• By mail - PO Box 484, Albany WA 6331 (cheques only)
• In person - City of Albany office, 102 North Road, Albany between 9am and 4.30pm

You may receive an additional (interim) rates notice at any time of the year if you make building improvements on your property, subdivide or demolish a building on your property.

If you hold a current Pensioner or Seniors Card and live at your property as of July 1 of the rating year, you may be eligible for a State Government rebate on your rates and Emergency Services Levy. Applications for the rebate can be made at the City of Albany office on North Road. It is preferable to make your application as soon as possible after you become eligible for the rebate as government regulations prohibit backdating claims.

The Emergency Services Levy has been established by the State Government to fund the Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA). It is collected by the City on FESA's behalf and based on your property valuation. Properties outside the area serviced by the Albany Fire Brigade pay the minimum fee.

If you are selling or buying a property your settlement agent will advise the City of the date of sale and the new owner’s address and will arrange an adjustment of your rates. If you are not using a settlement agent, you should contact a City of Albany rates officer who will assist.

For a normal change of address, please advise a City rates officer as soon as possible. 

The City of Albany provides rubbish, recycling and green waste collection services to residential properties within the urban area.   This service, contracted to Cleanaway Pty Ltd, is paid for by the domestic refuse charge on your rates notice.

The domestic refuse fee includes a weekly collection of one general waste bin (the blue bin), fortnightly collection of one recycling bin (the large green bin), and four-weekly collection of green waste in the bio-insert bin (the large bin with the light green lid). New properties are provided with a blue bin, but owners are required to provide their own recycling and bio-insert bins if they wish to use those services.

Ratepayers who require additional collection services may contact a City of Albany rates officer who will arrange the service at an additional charge.

Properties in the rural area  pay a Rural Waste Charge on their rates notice, and are entitled to dispose of their domestic rubbish and recycling (to a limit of half a cubic metre per week) at any City of Albany tip site at no cost.