Rates Frequently Asked Questions

Why do we pay Council rates?

The District Council of Franklin Harbour is responsible for maintaining community assets which include local roads, bridges, footpaths, stormwater drainage, land and buildings.  In addition, we provide services for the benefit of our residents such as waste management and street lighting.  There are also services that councils are required to provide under various Acts of Parliament such as Planning and Development and Dog and Cat Management.

Council rates are the main source of funds to maintain these services and facilities.

How are my rates calculated?

All land within a Council area, except for land specifically exempt (e.g. crown land, Council occupied land and other land prescribed in the Local Government Act 1999 - refer section 147 of the Act) is rateable.

The Local Government Act provides for a Council to raise revenue for the broad purposes of the Council through a general rate, which applies to all rateable properties, or through differential general rates, which apply to classes of properties. The Council also raises revenue through fees and charges.

Valuations & Objections

You may object to the valuation referred to in this notice by writing served personally or by post on the Valuer-General within 60 days after the date of service of the rates notice.

But Note:

• if you have previously received a notice or notices under the Local Government Act 1999 referring ot the valuation and informing you of a 60-day objection period, the objection period is 60 days after service of the first such notice;
• you may not object to the valuation if the Valuer-General has already considered an objection by you to that valuation.

The Valuer-General may extend the 60-day objection period where it be shown there is reasonable cause  to do so by a person entitled to make an objection to a valuation.

A written objection to valuation must set  out the full and detailed grounds for objection, including any supporting information.

Objections can be submitted to the Office of the Valuer-General via:

• Online: www.valuergeneral.sa.gov.au
• Email: OVGObjections@sa.gov.au
• Post: GPO Box 1354, Adelaide 5001
• Fax: 08 8115 5709
• In Person: Land Services SA, Level 9, 101 Grenfell Street, Adelaide

For further information or a hard copy objection pack (including a reply-paid envelope) please call 1300 653 346.

Rates are still due and payable by the due date  even if an objection to valuation has been lodged.

Payment of rates

Quarterly payments due:

• 15 September
• 15 December
• 15 March
• 15 June

A rates notice will be sent to ratepayers 30 days prior to each due date.  A ratepayer may also pay their rates in a single instalment due by September of that year.

The Local Government Act 1999 provides that councils impose a penalty of a 2% fine on any payment for rates that are received late.  A payment that continues to be late is then charged an interest rate, set each year according to a formula in the Act, for each month it continues to be late.

Any ratepayer who may, or is likely to, experience difficulty with meeting the standard payment arrangements is invited to contact Council on (08) 8629 2019 to discuss making alternative payment arrangements.

Concessions & Remissions

The South Australian Government provides a range of household concessions for eligible South Australians.  Concessions are available only on the principal place of residence.

Cost of Living ConcessionThe Cost of Living Concession is available to assist those on low or fixed income to help with the cost of living expenses such as electricity, water, gas, medical bills and/or council rates. There is a separate concession entitlement for Council Community Waste Water Schemes (CWMS)
To check your eligibility, contact the Department for Communities and Social Inclusion (DSCI) Concessions Hotline 1800 307 758 or visit www.sa.gov.au/concessions.

Remission & Postponement of Rates

Section 182 of the Local Government Act permits the Council, on the application of a ratepayer, to partially or wholly remit rates or to postpone rates, on the basis of hardship. Where a ratepayer is suffering hardship in paying rates he/she is invited to contact Council on 8629 2019 to discuss the matter.  All enquiries are treated confidentially.

In assessing each application Council will give consideration to the following:

• previous documented Council decisions;
• the ratepayer's ability to pay;
• the financial circumstances of the applicant where extreme hardship can be demonstrated.

Update your Details

How do I change my name on my Rates Notice?

If you have changed your name that appears on your Rates Notice (example, by way of marriage or Deed Poll), you must contact the Land Services Group.

For more information, visit http://www.landservices.sa.gov.au, call 08 8226 3983 or email LSGcustomersupport@sa.gov.au

Change of Address

Property Owner

If your current postal address is different from the address shown on the Rates Notice please notify Council immediately. Notification can be made on the Change of Mailing Address form post to PO Box 71, Cowell SA 5602 or email to council@franklinharbour.sa.gov.au

Managing Agent

Council will accept a letter or email from the Managing Agent signed by the property owner on behalf of the property owner to change the forwarding address. Notification can be made via post to PO Box 71, Cowell SA 5602 or email to council@franklinharbour.sa.gov.au