WA Rates Notice Explained

What Is on Your WA Rate Notice

A Western Australian council rate notice bundles several separate charges into one bill. Each line item comes from a different authority, and not all of them qualify for concessions. Understanding the breakdown is the first step to knowing what help is available.

The main components:

• General rates — your council's municipal charge, calculated by multiplying your property's Gross Rental Value by the council's rate-in-the-dollar
• Emergency Services Levy (ESL) — a state charge collected by your council on behalf of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services
• Waste management / rubbish collection — a flat service fee set by your council
• Underground power charges — where applicable, for areas converting to underground electricity

Some councils also list specified area rates, security levies, or pool inspection fees.

How Gross Rental Value Works

Your rates bill starts with a property valuation called the Gross Rental Value (GRV). This is set by Landgate (the WA Valuer-General), not your council. It represents the estimated annual rental income the property could earn at market rates.

Your council multiplies the GRV by its rate-in-the-dollar to calculate your general rates. A GRV of $20,000 and a rate of 8.5 cents in the dollar produces a general rates charge of $1,700.

GRV revaluations happen periodically. When your GRV increases — because property values in your area have risen — your rates increase even if the council does not change its rate-in-the-dollar. This is why many pensioners see their rates climbing year after year despite receiving a concession.

If you believe your GRV is incorrect, you can object to Landgate through a formal valuation appeal. This is separate from your concession entitlement and involves the State Administrative Tribunal if unresolved.

Which Lines Qualify for Concessions

Eligible for concession:

• General rates (50% or 25%, depending on card tier)
• Emergency Services Levy (same percentage as rates, no dollar cap)
• Underground power charges (where raised on the rate notice)

Not eligible — must be paid in full:

• Waste management and rubbish collection
• Pool inspection fees
• Specified area rates
• Security service charges
• Legal cost recovery fees

This distinction matters for budgeting. A pensioner with a $2,500 total rate notice might only receive a concession on $2,000 of it, with $500 in waste and other charges due in full.

Reading the Concession Credit

When your concession is registered, your council's adjusted rate notice should reflect the concession against eligible charges. If the concession does not appear, contact the Water Corporation on 1300 659 951 or your council to check.

For a printable bill decoder that maps every line item on a WA rate notice to its concession eligibility and cap, see our WA Rates Concessions Guide.

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