City Of Stirling Rates Calculation

Estimate your property rates with our accurate calculator based on 2024-2025 City of Stirling valuation data

Comprehensive Guide to City of Stirling Rates Calculation (2024-2025)

The City of Stirling rates system is designed to fund essential services and infrastructure that maintain our community’s high quality of life. Understanding how your rates are calculated can help you budget effectively and take advantage of available concessions. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the rates calculation process, key factors that influence your rates, and strategies to potentially reduce your annual costs.

How City of Stirling Rates Are Calculated

Your annual rates are determined through a combination of your property’s Gross Rental Value (GRV) and the rate in the dollar set by the City of Stirling. The basic formula is:

Annual Rates = (GRV × Rate in the Dollar) + Minimum Rate + Service Charges – Concessions

Key Components:

1. Gross Rental Value (GRV): An assessment of your property’s annual rental value as determined by the Valuer General’s office. This is not necessarily what you could rent the property for, but a standardized valuation used for rating purposes.
2. Rate in the Dollar: A multiplier set annually by the City of Stirling. For 2024-2025, the general rate in the dollar is 0.06893 cents.
3. Minimum Rate: All properties pay a minimum rate regardless of GRV. For 2024-2025, this is $1,250 for residential properties.
4. Service Charges: Additional fees for waste collection, recycling, and other municipal services.
5. Concessions: Discounts available for eligible pensioners and seniors.

2024-2025 Rate Categories and Multipliers

Property Type	Rate Category	Rate in the Dollar	Minimum Rate
Residential	General	0.06893	$1,250
	Pensioner	0.06893 (50% discount)	$625
	Vacant Land	0.08961	$1,250
Commercial	General	0.09872	$1,850
Rural	General	0.05824	$950

Waste Service Charges (2024-2025)

Service Type	Bin Size	Annual Cost	Collection Frequency
General Waste	240L	$380	Weekly
General Waste	360L	$450	Weekly
Recycling	240L	$120	Fortnightly
Green Waste	240L	$180	Fortnightly (seasonal)

Pensioner Concessions and Rebates

Eligible pensioners can receive significant discounts on their rates. To qualify for the City of Stirling pensioner concession, you must:

• Hold a valid Pensioner Concession Card or Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card
• Use the property as your principal place of residence
• Be listed as the property owner on the rates notice
• Not be receiving the concession on another property

The pensioner concession provides:

• 50% discount on general rates (capped at $750)
• 50% discount on the Emergency Services Levy
• 50% discount on waste service charges (capped at $200)

To apply, complete the Pensioner Concession Application Form and submit it with your concession card details to the City of Stirling.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stirling Rates

Why did my rates increase this year?

Rates typically increase annually due to:

• Changes in your property’s GRV (revalued every 3-5 years)
• Adjustments to the rate in the dollar set by the City
• Increased service costs (waste collection, infrastructure maintenance)
• New levies or charges introduced by the council

Can I appeal my GRV?

Yes, if you believe your property’s GRV is incorrect, you can lodge an objection with the Valuer General’s office within 60 days of receiving your rates notice. The process involves:

1. Gathering evidence of comparable rental properties
2. Completing the objection form from the Landgate website
3. Submitting your objection with supporting documentation
4. Awating the Valuer General’s review (typically 6-8 weeks)

What happens if I don’t pay my rates on time?

Late payment of rates incurs interest at the rate of 11% per annum, calculated daily. If rates remain unpaid, the City of Stirling may:

• Issue a final notice with additional fees
• Initiate legal recovery proceedings
• Place a charge on your property title
• In extreme cases, commence property sale proceedings

If you’re experiencing financial hardship, contact the City’s Rates Team immediately to discuss payment plans or hardship arrangements.

Strategies to Reduce Your Rates

1. Check your eligibility for concessions: Even if you’re not a pensioner, you may qualify for other rebates or deferments.
2. Review your waste services: If you’re paying for green waste collection but rarely use it, consider opting out.
3. Verify your GRV: An incorrect GRV could mean you’re paying more than you should. Compare your valuation with similar properties.
4. Pay by the due date: Avoid unnecessary interest charges by paying on time or setting up direct debit.
5. Consider rate smoothing: Some councils offer the option to pay your rates in equal installments throughout the year.

Understanding the Emergency Services Levy

The Emergency Services Levy (ESL) is a state government charge collected by local councils to fund fire and emergency services. In the City of Stirling, the ESL is calculated as:

• Residential properties: $119 fixed charge + 0.14298 cents per dollar of GRV over $30,000
• Commercial properties: $238 fixed charge + 0.14298 cents per dollar of GRV
• Vacant land: $119 fixed charge

This levy is mandatory and appears as a separate line item on your rates notice. Pensioners receive a 50% discount on the ESL as part of their concession.

How Rates Fund City of Stirling Services

Your rates contribute to a wide range of services and infrastructure that maintain and improve our community:

Roads & Transport

• Road maintenance and upgrades
• Footpath construction and repairs
• Traffic management systems
• Bicycle infrastructure

Parks & Recreation

• Park maintenance and upgrades
• Playground equipment
• Sports field management
• Public BBQs and amenities

Community Services

• Libraries and community centers
• Youth and senior programs
• Disability access improvements
• Public events and festivals

Waste Management

• Kerbside collection services
• Recycling processing
• Green waste disposal
• Illegal dumping prevention

Comparing City of Stirling Rates with Other Perth Councils

To provide context for your rates, here’s how the City of Stirling compares with other major Perth metropolitan councils for a residential property with a GRV of $35,000:

Council	Rate in the Dollar	Minimum Rate	Estimated Annual Rates	Waste Charge (240L)
City of Stirling	0.06893	$1,250	$3,662	$380
City of Perth	0.07125	$1,350	$3,844	$420
City of Joondalup	0.06789	$1,200	$3,581	$390
City of Wanneroo	0.06543	$1,150	$3,405	$370
Town of Cambridge	0.07342	$1,400	$3,950	$450

Note: These comparisons are approximate and based on 2024-2025 data. Actual rates may vary based on specific property characteristics and services.

Future Trends in Local Government Rating

The City of Stirling, like other local governments, faces several challenges that may impact future rates:

• Infrastructure demands: Aging infrastructure requires significant investment in renewal and upgrades.
• Population growth: The City of Stirling is one of WA’s fastest-growing areas, requiring expanded services.
• Climate change adaptation: Increased costs for heat mitigation, flood management, and water conservation.
• Waste management costs: Rising fees for recycling processing and landfill disposal.
• Rate capping pressures: State government policies may limit rate increases, requiring councils to find alternative revenue sources.

To address these challenges while maintaining service levels, the City of Stirling is exploring:

• Increased use of technology for service delivery efficiency
• Partnerships with private sector and other government agencies
• Alternative revenue sources such as parking fees and facility hire
• Long-term financial planning to smooth rate increases

Official Resources for City of Stirling Rates

City of Stirling Official Rates Information WA Department of Local Government Rates Information Landgate Property Valuations (GRV Information)

Glossary of Rates Terms

Gross Rental Value (GRV)

The annual rental value of your property as assessed by the Valuer General, used as the basis for calculating rates.

Rate in the Dollar

The multiplier applied to your GRV to calculate the variable portion of your rates.

Minimum Rate

The fixed minimum amount payable regardless of your property’s GRV.

Differential Rates

Different rate structures applied to different categories of land (e.g., residential, commercial, rural).

Emergency Services Levy (ESL)

A state government charge collected by councils to fund fire and emergency services.

Instalment Notice

The option to pay your rates in quarterly installments rather than a single annual payment.

Final Tips for Managing Your Rates

1. Set up direct debit: Avoid late fees by automating your payments. The City of Stirling offers flexible payment plans.
2. Review your notice carefully: Check for any errors in property details or charges that don’t apply to you.
3. Attend community consultations: The City of Stirling holds annual budget consultations where you can provide input on rate settings.
4. Consider voluntary payments: If you’re ahead on payments, you can make additional contributions to reduce future bills.
5. Stay informed: Sign up for the City’s newsletter to receive updates on rate changes and new concessions.

Understanding your City of Stirling rates doesn’t have to be complicated. By familiarizing yourself with how rates are calculated, what services they fund, and what concessions you might be eligible for, you can take control of this important household expense. If you ever have questions about your rates notice or need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact the City of Stirling’s friendly rates team for personalized help.