YOUR PAYMENT OPTIONS
Option 1 - One Payment
Pay in one payment by 25 September 2024
Option 2 - Four Instalments
Pay over four instalments, due on the:
25 September 2024
22 November 2024
15 January 2025
12 March 2025
Please note this option will no longer be available if payment is received after the 25 September 2024.
Payment Arrangements
We understand that people may experience financial hardship which makes it difficult to meet all of their financial commitments when they are due.
If you are having difficulty paying your rates, please contact our Rates Department on 9071 0657 or 9071 0653.
We are happy to discuss suitable payment arrangements to settle your rates debt by the due dates set by Council.
Replacement Rate Notices incur a replacement fee of $15.
HOW TO PAY YOUR RATES
BPAY
Contact your bank or financial institution to arrange payment. Please refer to the details under Payment Methods on your rate notice.
Phone
Have your rate notice and credit card nearby and call 1300 276 468.
Mail / Cheque
Please include the payment slip at the bottom of your rates form.
Here to Help
Our team are happy to assist with calculating the best options for you, provided your payments cover the dates set by Council.
In person
Bring your rate notice to the Shire Administration office during business hours.
Online Visit esperance.wa.gov.au/rates
Direct Debit
Payments can be made weekly, fortnightly, monthly, in full or instalments. This is an easy and convenient option to pay your rates!
Contact us (08) 9071 0657 or (08) 9071 0653 rates@esperance.wa.gov.au We’re here to help.
eRates
Unlock the Power of eRates! Tired of sifting through paper clutter? Sign-up today!
Why sign up?
Convenience Get your rates delivered straight to your inbox, no more hunting through paperwork or waiting for the mail.
Eco-Friendly Reduce your environmental footprint by going digital.
Travel-Ready Whether you’re jet-setting or just forgetful, eRates have your back.
RATES EXPLAINED
Every five years the Valuer General (Landgate) is required to reassess the Gross Rental Value (GRV) for all properties in the Shire of Esperance. This process is called a ‘revaluation’.
This year, Shire of Esperance received the latest property revaluation from Landgate for all GRV properties. The new GRV will be used to calculate your rates.
In a revaluation year (like this year), the Council adjusts the Rate in the Dollar to counteract the impact of the GRV movements.
The assessment date, which is known as the “date of valuation”, remains in force for the respective five-year period until the next GRV is calculated in 2029.
The date of valuation (DOV) was 1st August 2023. There is a delay between the DOV and the date the valuations come into effect due to the time it takes to collect and analyse valuation data used to calculate new GRV’s for all WA properties.
The new GRV came into effect on Monday 1st July 2024. Unimproved Value (UV) properties are reassessed each year.
Remember if you lose your paper notice, there is a cost for a replacement! Sign up today and stay in the loop!
Use the link below to register for eRates, you’ll receive your rate notices and instalment reminder notices via email. Sign up
or
EARLY BIRD RATES DRAW
The Early Bird Rates Draw 2024/25 has over $22,000 in prizes to be won!
Weekly Draw
Over 5 weeks, weekly prizes consist of: Vouchers donated by local businesses + cash prizes of $500, $800 & $1,200
Bonus Draw- Week 5
The earlier you pay in full, the more chances to win!
$100 Voucher sponsored by Lucky Bay Brewing
$100 Voucher sponsored by South East Petroleum
$800 Voucher sponsored by RAC Holiday Parks
$1,300 Cash sponsored by CPC Engineering
2x return flights to Perth REX Airlines
$1,208 voucher for 12-month Full Membership sponsored by Bay of Isles Leisure Centre
How to enter
To be eligible to enter, Shire of Esperance ratepayers, must pay their current year’s rates in full by the close of business listed below.
Due dates for 2024 payments each week are:
For full Terms and Conditions visit esperance.wa.gov.au
INTERIM RATE NOTICES
Interim Rate Notices can be issued throughout the year if the Valuer General’s Office considers that the Gross Rental Value (GRV) of a ratepayers’ property has changed.
Any alteration to the property could cause the GRV of your property to be re-assessed by the Valuer General's Office. Typical events which could trigger a revaluation and the need to issue an Interim Rates Notice include:
Creation of a new property eg. if a lot is created from a subdivision, amalgamation or strata title, new house on vacant land.
Improvements or additions to the property eg. Installation of a swimming pool, construction of a garage or carport or the addition of a bedroom.
Demolition of a property. This is usually the first step in the redevelopment of a site and only the first in a series of interim rate adjustments.
Removal of a swimming pool
Any changes to bin configurations will also result in an Interim Rate Notice being issued.
How are rates calculated?
Your rate amount is calculated by multiplying your property’s Gross Rental Value (GRV) or Unimproved Value (UV) by the rate in the dollar set by Council. Rate in the dollar is set by Council to ensure sufficient income is received to enable continued service delivery to the community.
What is GRV and UV?
GRV (Gross Rental Value) is a valuation of your property, determined by the Valuer General, as an estimate of the rental income you would receive if the property was rented for one year.
UV (Unimproved Value) is also determined by the Valuer General and is based on the value of undeveloped land.
Can I object to my property valuation?
If you believe the valuation of your property is incorrect, you can lodge an objection with the Western Australian Valuer General’s Office within 60 days of the issue date of your rate notice. Please refer
PENSIONERS
to the reverse side of your rate notice for contact details. Please note: If lodging an objection, rates are still required to be paid by the due date.
How do I change my postal address?
Notification must be in writing. A Change of Address Form is available on the rates page of the Shire of Esperance website. Return the completed form by email to rates@esperance.wa.gov.au, post to PO Box 507 Esperance WA 6450, or drop it into the Shire Administration Building on Windich St.
Pensioner or Senior Rebates
Pensioners and Seniors may be eligible for a rates rebate. To receive a rebate, a person must hold one or more of the appropriate Pensioner or Seniors cards, and on July 1 of the financial year, own and occupy the residential property as their principal place of residence. Please call the Water Corporation on 1300 659 951 with your concession card details and Water Corporation account number to update your details.
Pensioner Concession Card OR State Concession Card
Receive up to 50% rebate limited to a maximum (capped) amount of $750.
Commonwealth Seniors Health Card together with a WA Seniors Card
Receive up to 50% rebate limited to a maximum (capped) amount of $750.
WA Seniors Card
Receive up to 25% rebate limited to a maximum (capped) amount of $100.
Council also offers Centrepay to eligible pensioners. Centrepay is a free direct bill paying service offered to customers receiving payments from Centrelink. Through Centrepay you can
choose to pay bills by having a regular amount deducted from your Centrelink payment making bills more manageable.
Did you know...the Leisure Centre is one of 12 facilities in town run by the
The Leisure Centre is here for the use of our community, and we love seeing community members making the most of the facilities.
The Leisure Centre is an inclusive centre for all ages and abilities, offering a well-equipped gym, variety of group fitness classes, creche, swimming lessons, sauna and heated pools, including hydrotherapy and spa.
Shire of Esperance?
BUDGET
BUDGET SUMMARY 2024-2025
In a time of widespread uncertainty around regional flights and industry, business and social concerns, our community can rest assured that Council and the Shire remain steadfast in planning for the best possible future for our community.
With a financial process recognised for excellence in reporting practices by the Auditor General, Councillors and staff consider not just the next 12 months, but also the next 10 years when developing the Budget each year. Work has been ongoing for months, and all are proud of the Shire of Esperance 2024/25 Budget, approved at a Special Council Meeting Wednesday 7 August 2024.
“We have held the increase in Rates to 5.5% for GRV (Gross Rental Value) properties, and to 6.5% for UV (Unimproved Value) properties,” Shire President, Ron Chambers said. “Core services such as utilities and insurances have gone up by between 7% and 10%, so this is a real achievement. The ability to hold successive Rate increases to moderate amounts demonstrates the Shire’s good financial planning and management.”
The Office of the Valuer General at Landgate increased rural values (UV) by 39% last year, and Council responded by setting the adjusted UV rate in the dollar to lower than the previous year to offset the effect.
Shire President, Ron Chambers
“Council constantly examines everything the Shire does, where efficiencies can be gained and what must continue untouched, but this becomes a key focus at Budget time. I’m confident we’ve put together a Budget that will get the best possible value for our community from the resources available to us”.
“This is a prudent Budget”
Mr Chambers continued, “maintaining services our community needs, while still working on improvements and efficiencies such as solar energy at the Leisure Centre, streamlining processes for health applications and event management, and providing business and community members with support and better information.”
Residential properties (GRV) were revalued this year, as they are every five years, by the Office of the Valuer General. Council sets the adjusted GRV and UV rates in the dollar so the total amount raised will fund each carefully considered item in the Budget. Because of the GRV revaluation, some residential ratepayers will see a higher increase than the adopted rise, this is due to a greater increase in the value of their property.
The Budget is being funded from $26.8m in Rates, $23.2m in other Operating Revenue, $20m in Capital Grants, $19.3m from Reserve Transfers, $2.4m from Financing Activities and $3.2m carried forward from last year’s projects.
The Waste Rate, contributing to the establishment of the new Myrup Waste Management Facility, the strategy for the closure of the Wylie Bay Waste Management Facility and public bin management, remains unchanged at a minimum $80 per rateable property, and all ratepayers will once again receive four Domestic Waste Voucher entitlements.
Visit the Shire of Esperance website for the full media release.
Shire CEO, Shane Burge
“We’ve really worked to minimise the Rates increase in an environment where costs have increased beyond CPI. Every item in the Budget was examined carefully for the value it brings to our community. This Budget plans responsibly for the future, allowing us to afford the projects our community has told us they want actioned, laid out in the Long Term Financial Plan. The aim of this gradual preparation is to avoid having large rates increases in the future.”
“We’re very aware of the financial pressure our community are under, and I want to make sure everyone is aware of the payment options available by contacting our friendly Rates Officers.”
MAJOR CAPITAL PROJECTS
GRAHAM MACKENZIE STADIUM REPLACEMENT
CASCADE VOLUNTEER BUSH FIRE BRIGADE SHED $1.7m LAND DEVELOPMENT $315k
LEISURE CENTRE AQUATIC AREA CEILING REPLACEMENT $17.2m ROAD PROGRAM
WASTE MANAGEMENT & TRANSFER STATION – STAGE ONE
AIRPORT UPGRADE & EXTENSION BUSINESS CASE $930k
WHAT WE INVEST IN
Your rates enable the Shire to continue existing services, ensure ongoing maintenance of facilities and infrastructure, manage growth, and encourage economic development across new & existing areas.
COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
When setting the Budget, Council considers the competing demands for services and facilities across the short and long term. The above provides a breakdown of the expenses over the next year.
More details available in the Shire’s 2024/25 Annual Budget, on our website.
BUDGET
HOW OUR REVENUE IS GENERATED
Rates contribute the most to our income, making up 28% of the Annual Budget, but they’re only one source of funding. Each year the Shire receives numerous grants, uses funds from
REVENUE RESOURCES
reserves and earns revenue through fees and charges. These are a few of the ingredients used to fuel the services we provide the community. MUSEUM ENTRY
VOUCHER
Your free pass to our local history
Valid for up to 2 Adults & 2 Children
Expiry Date June 30, 2025
Scan the QR Code for the latest updates and opening times. For any questions, please reach out to the Esperance Museum. (08) 9083 1580 | museum@esperance.wa.gov.au
FIRE HAZARD REDUCTION NOTICE
provides details of the legal requirements for each property owner within the Shire & highlights information to reduce hazards on your property as well as information on being bushfire ready.
NOTICE TO ALL OWNERS OF LAND WITHIN THE SHIRE OF ESPERANCE
Pursuant to Section 33 of the Bush Fires Act 1954, the Notice sets out the actions that you must take to prepare your property for the fire season. As a measure for preventing the spread or extension of a bush fire which may occur, all owners and occupiers of land within the Shire boundaries are required to clear firebreaks or to take measures in accordance with this Notice before 9 October 2024. Maintenance of firebreaks and measures in accordance with this Notice must be kept up to and including the 31 March 2025
Important Dates to Remember
HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW YOUR BUSH FIRE INFORMATION, TRUE OR FALSE...
I can’t have a beach fire all year round.
Local Bushfire information can be found on the Shire of Esperance website.
My firebreak has to go around my property.
I can receive SMS notifications in the event of total harvest and vehicle movement bans, prescribed burns in my area and extreme weather forecasts.
To find out the answers and the full fire hazard reduction notice, scan the QR code or visit the link below: esperance.wa.gov.au/bushfire-information
These dates are subject to change depending on seasonal weather conditions. Updates will be posted on the Shire of Esperance Facebook & Instagram accounts, as well as the website.
DRY SEASON INFORMATION
Our region is facing lower rainfall and longer dry seasons, especially from April to October. It’s essential for property owners and land caretakers to effectively control the build-up of fuel loads on their properties.
TOTAL FIRE BAN
A Total Fire Ban (TFBs) is declared by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) on a days of extreme weather where a fire is most likely to spread rapidly or if there are already widespread fires and fire fighting resources are too stretched. Occasionally TFBs may be declared outside of a fire season (such as in May or June) due to other factors such as higher temperatures and expected strong winds preceding a storm front.
On a Total Fire Ban day, it is illegal to light an openair fire or conduct any activity that could start a fire. Ignoring conditions of a Total Fire Ban can incur a $1,000 infringement. Upon conviction, you could receive a fine of $25,000 and/or be jailed for 12 months.
When a Total Fire Ban is in place, it’s important to be aware of what you can & can’t do. Visit dfes.wa.gov.au/ hazard-information/bushfire/total-fire-ban for more information.
REQUEST FOR A VARIATION
Did you know you can request for variation to the firebreak notice? A variation is considered if any of the listed requirements to reduce your fire hazard is impractical on your property. Landowner/Occupiers can apply in writing to the Shire for a variation before 24 September of each year, for permission to provide firebreaks in alternative locations or take alternative measures to prevent the outbreak or spread of a bush fire.
After consultation, the Shire may approve a variation for either a 1 year or a 3 year period. Get your variation form from the Shire website.
esperance.wa.gov.au/bushfire-information
bins out
UHT (long-life) cartons
Batteries or e-waste Nappies
Food & garden waste
Polystyrene or foam
Soft plastics
No sharps
Motor oil NOT ACCEPTED TOP BIN TIPS
• Keep Recycling clean and loose- Do not bag items
• Place bins out by 5am on collection day, or the night before
• Don’t overload - ensure the lid can close
Construction waste
Hot ashes
Batteries or e-waste
Hazardous waste such as poisons, chemicals, paint, liquids and oils
• Clean your bins regularly
• Freeze seafood and odorous waste and place in the bin the night before collection
• Keep bins 1 metre clear of obstructions e.g. cars, walls, fences, posts
For all things bin related, like replacement, repairs, collections days or changing your bin size, visit esperance.wa.gov.au/waste-and-recycling or call the team on 9071 0676.
RECYCLING COLLECTION CALENDAR 2024/25
Christmas 2024 Bin Collection- Christmas Day is on a Wednesday – if your bin collection is usually a Wednesday, pop it out on the verge on Boxing day and it will be picked up then. All other bin collections are as normal over the Christmas/New Year period.
Waste Vouchers- Keep these in a safe place! Domestic Waste Vouchers are issued annually, free of charge, with the rate notice. Replacement Waste Vouchers incur a replacement fee.
9071 0666
0682
1566
9083 1580
1533
9071 0657
Centre 9083 1555
1540 Wylie Bay Waste Facility 9071 7594
Sign up to our various eNewsletters to keep up to date on what is happening, upcoming events, and how you can get more involved in your community! esperance.wa.gov.au/newsletters
08 9071 0666
shire@esperance.wa.gov.au www.esperance.wa.gov.au PO Box 507, Windich Street, Esperance WA 6450
