Published on Friday, 27 March 2026 at 1:52:55 PM
The Shire of Toodyay is making a positive change to the way rates are calculated to ensure greater fairness, clarity, and consistency for our community.
At its March 2026 Ordinary Council Meeting, Council resolved to move from differential rates to a single uniform rate in the dollar for all properties valued using Gross Rental Value (GRV) and a single uniform rate in the dollar for all properties valued using Unimproved Value (UV), effective 1 July 2026.
Why is the change being made?
For many years, the Shire used the “differential rating” system, where different types of properties were charged different rates in the dollar. Although common across the local government sector, this approach is complex, heavily regulated, and has previously resulted in challenges—including two legal challenges when the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) required the Shire to remake rates due to technical issues outside the community’s control.
By moving to a simple, consistent, and transparent uniform rate, the Shire will:
- Make the rating system easier to understand for ratepayers.
- Reduce administrative complexity, ensuring clearer compliance with the Local Government Act 1995.
- Promote fairness, with similar properties paying the same rate in the dollar.
- Create a more stable and predictable rating approach for the future.
- Align with most neighbouring local governments, who already use a uniform rating model.
This change does not mean the Shire will collect more money overall—it simply means the method of calculating individual rates will be easier and more consistent.
What does this mean for ratepayers?
Because every property is different, individual rates notices may show an increase or decrease depending on your property’s valuation and category. Some ratepayers will see a slight reduction, others a modest increase—but overall, the total rates collected by the Shire remain largely unchanged.
What stays the same?
- Your property’s valuation (GRV or UV) continues to be set independently by the WA Valuer‑General.
- Minimum payments continue to apply in accordance with legislation.
- The Shire will still follow all statutory requirements when preparing the Annual Budget.
What improves for the community?
This change supports good governance and reduces the risk of procedural issues in the future. It also means clearer communication:
- One GRV rate in the dollar for all GRV properties.
- One UV rate in the dollar for all UV properties.
More information
Our staff are available to explain what the change means for you. Please contact the Shire of Toodyay Rates team on:
T: (08) 9574 9311
E: rates@toodyay.wa.gov.au
ENDS
Media Enquiries:
Aaron Bowman – CEO
T: (08) 9574 9300
E: records@toodyay.wa.gov.au
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