Answers to Common Rate QuestionsRates are levied for the 12-month period from 1st July to 30th June and rate instalments are due for payment on August 31st, November 30th, February 28th and May 31st. Council will send out quarterly instalment notices to you about 4 weeks before each instalment. Failure to pay by the due date will result in an interest charge. Interest accrues on a daily basis at 10% p.a. on Rates and Charges unpaid after the due date. Certain lands are exempt from rate charges such as properties used by churches, hospitals and schools. If you think this applies to you further information can be obtained from Council's Rate Section. How do I contact Council's rates section?
Changes to rates detail
How are rates calculated?Rates are calculated on land values as supplied by the NSW Valuer General. All properties in Camden Council pay a base amount of $621.00 as well a rate in the dollar depending on the category (i.e. residential, business or farmland). These categories and rates are listed on the rates notice. To request a change in category, please complete the Category Change Land (Rates) Form. Stormwater LevyIs a service to manage the quantity and/or quality of stormwater that flows off land. This levy only affects residential and business properties. Vacant land and non urban land are exempt. Camden Council also exempts pensioners that are receiving a rebate. Septic Approval to OperateAll sewage management systems are to be registered with Council and will be inspected. Each system will be assessed upon the initial inspection and categorised into low, moderate or high risk. Low risk systems will be inspected every six years, moderate risk every four years and high risk every two years. Upon a satisfactory inspection, Council will issue an approval to operate the septic system on your land with a nominated renewal date. This approval will include conditions for the safe operation and maintenance of your on-site sewage management system. The "Approval to Operate" fee is a service charge that covers the initial Council inspection of your system (additional inspections will be charged an inspection fee per inspection) and administration costs associated with the program. The fee is an annual fee that is included in your rates. Waste Management Availability VacantUnder the Local Government Act an annual charge for waste management services must be levied on each parcel of rateable land for which services is provided or proposed to be provided. This Waste Availability Charge is for vacant land only that is in an area that waste services are available. Are there rate's rebates for pensioners?Persons in receipt of certain classes of pensions are eligible for a maximum rebate of $250 on this year’s Rates and Garbage Charges. Existing Pensioners will receive their Rate Notices with a rebate deducted. New pensioners are required to come into Council to fill out a form to claim the reduction, bringing with them their Pension Card and Rate Notice. The address of the property to be claimed must also be the mailing address stated on the pension card. Special arrangements to payRatepayers who, due to hardship, are not in a position to settle their rate account in full or in four instalments, can make alternative arrangements to pay by agreement with Council. Please telephone Council’s Rate Section on (02) 4645 5130 When do postponed rates apply?If you live in a single dwelling on land that could be subdivided or is in a commercial zone, the rateable value of your land may be more than is usual for a single dwelling. If this is the case you may be able to apply to Council to have part of your rate charge postponed. About the categoryThe Local Government Act 1993 requires all land to be categorised according to its dominant use. You must notify Council within 30 days if there is a change in the dominant use of the land eg from Residential to Business. If you disagree with the category shown on your Rate Notice you may appeal in writing to Council's Rate Section. Paying by installmentsInstalments are due on August 31st, November 30th, February 28th and May 31st. Council will send out quarterly instalment notices to you about 4 weeks before each instalment. The Rates are due one month after issue of each notice and failure to pay by the due date will result in an interest charge. Interest accrues on a daily basis at 10% p.a. on Rates and Charges unpaid after the due date. Who do I contact with a land value enquiry?Land Values are provided by the Department of Land and Property Information at the base date of 1 July 2010. Enquiries should be directed to..
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