Hills Council Rates Base Amount Calculator
Calculate your 2024-2025 property rates with The Hills Shire Council’s official rate structure
Your Estimated Rates
Comprehensive Guide to Hills Council Rates Base Amount Calculation (2024-2025)
The Hills Shire Council rates system funds essential services like road maintenance, waste collection, libraries, and community facilities. Understanding how your rates are calculated helps you budget effectively and ensures you’re not paying more than required.
How The Hills Shire Council Rates Are Calculated
Council rates consist of several components:
- Base Rate Amount – A fixed charge that varies by property category
- Ad Valorem Charge – A variable amount based on your property’s land value
- Waste Management Charge – Covers garbage collection services
- Sydney Water Access Charge – For properties connected to Sydney Water
- Pensioner Rebates – Discounts for eligible pensioners
2024-2025 Rate Categories and Base Amounts
| Property Category | Base Rate Amount | Ad Valorem Rate (per $ of land value) |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | $650.00 | 0.00185 |
| Business | $820.00 | 0.00210 |
| Farmland | $580.00 | 0.00140 |
| Vacant Land | $410.00 | 0.00200 |
Waste Service Charges (2024-2025)
- Standard 240L bin: $380.00 per annum
- Large 360L bin: $450.00 per annum
- No waste service: $0.00 (must be approved by council)
Sydney Water Access Charges
| Connection Type | Annual Charge |
|---|---|
| Standard Residential | $85.00 |
| Business/Commercial | $120.00 |
| No Connection | $0.00 |
Pensioner Rebates and Concessions
Eligible pensioners can receive:
- Up to $250 rebate on council rates
- Up to $87.50 rebate on water rates
- Up to $200 rebate on waste charges
To qualify, you must:
- Hold a valid Pensioner Concession Card
- Be the property owner and occupy it as your principal place of residence
- Apply through Service NSW or directly with the council
How Land Valuation Affects Your Rates
The NSW Valuer General determines your property’s land value every 3 years. The Hills Shire Council uses this valuation to calculate the ad valorem component of your rates. For example:
- A residential property valued at $1,200,000 would pay: $1,200,000 × 0.00185 = $2,220 in ad valorem charges
- Added to the $650 base rate, the total before other charges would be $2,870
Common Questions About Hills Council Rates
Can I appeal my land valuation?
Yes, you can lodge an objection with the Valuer General within 60 days of receiving your valuation notice. The process is free and can be done online.
What if I can’t pay my rates on time?
The Hills Shire Council offers payment plans for ratepayers experiencing financial hardship. Contact their revenue team to arrange a suitable payment schedule.
How are new developments assessed for rates?
New properties receive an interim rate notice based on estimated values until the Valuer General completes a formal valuation, usually within 12 months of completion.
Tips to Potentially Reduce Your Rates
- Check your property categorisation: Ensure your property is classified correctly (e.g., not mistakenly listed as business when it’s residential)
- Apply for all eligible rebates: Many pensioners miss out on available concessions
- Review waste services: If you don’t need a large bin, downgrade to save $70 annually
- Verify water connections: If you’re not connected to Sydney Water but being charged, request a review
- Pay on time: Avoid late payment interest charges (currently 8% per annum)
Historical Rate Increases in The Hills Shire
Council rates typically increase annually in line with the rate peg set by IPART (Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal). Recent increases:
- 2023-2024: 3.7% increase
- 2022-2023: 0.7% increase (below peg due to COVID-19 relief)
- 2021-2022: 2.0% increase
- 2020-2021: 2.7% increase
Where Your Rates Money Goes
The Hills Shire Council’s 2024-2025 budget allocates rate revenue to:
- Roads and Transport (28%) – Maintenance and upgrades of local roads
- Waste Services (18%) – Kerbside collection and waste management
- Parks and Recreation (15%) – Maintenance of parks, playgrounds, and sports fields
- Community Services (12%) – Libraries, youth services, and community programs
- Environmental Services (10%) – Bushland management and sustainability initiatives
- Administration (9%) – Council operations and customer service
- Economic Development (8%) – Supporting local businesses and tourism
Authoritative Resources
For official information about Hills Shire Council rates:
- The Hills Shire Council Rates Information
- IPART Rate Pegging Determinations
- NSW Valuer General – Land Valuation Objections
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only. Actual rates may vary based on specific property characteristics and council determinations. For official rate notices, always refer to documentation from The Hills Shire Council. Last updated: June 2024.