City of Melville Council Rates Calculator
Estimate your annual council rates based on property details and location within the City of Melville.
How City of Melville Council Rates Are Calculated: Complete 2024 Guide
Understanding the Council Rates System in Melville
The City of Melville calculates property rates using a combination of Gross Rental Value (GRV) and minimum rates components. This dual-system approach ensures all property owners contribute to essential services while maintaining fairness based on property values.
Key Components of Melville Rates
- GRV-Based Rates: Calculated as 0.00685% of your property’s GRV (as assessed by Landgate)
- Minimum Rates: A fixed charge that varies by property type (e.g., $1,250 for residential in 2023-24)
- Location Factors: Coastal properties pay an additional 10% premium
- Service Charges: Waste collection fees (standard $380/year)
- Concessions: Pensioners may receive 50% rebates on rates
GRV vs Minimum Rates: How They Work Together
Melville uses a “greater of” system where you pay whichever is higher between:
- The GRV calculation (0.00685% × GRV)
- The minimum rate for your property type
2024-25 Minimum Rates by Property Type
| Property Type | Minimum Rate (2024-25) | GRV Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Residential (Standard) | $1,310 | $191,241 |
| Residential Vacant Land | $1,050 | $153,285 |
| Commercial/Industrial | $1,870 | $273,022 |
| Rural | $890 | $130,000 |
Special Rate Variations in Melville
Coastal Strip Premium
Properties in designated coastal areas (including parts of Applecross, Bicton, and Attadale) pay an additional 10% on their rates. This reflects the higher demand for services in these areas and the premium value of coastal locations.
Waste Service Charges
All properties receiving council waste services pay:
- Standard Service: $380/year (240L bin weekly)
- Reduced Service: $320/year (120L bin weekly)
- No Service: $0 (must arrange private waste collection)
Pensioner Concessions and Rebates
Eligible pensioners can receive significant rate relief:
| Concession Type | Rebate Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Pensioner | 50% of rates (capped at $750) | Pensioner Concession Card holders |
| Seniors Card | 25% of rates (capped at $500) | WA Seniors Card holders |
| Deferred Payment | Interest-free deferral | Pensioners with financial hardship |
How to Apply for Concessions
- Complete the City of Melville concession application form
- Provide proof of pensioner status (Concession Card or Seniors Card)
- Submit before 31 December for current financial year
- Renew annually (automatic reminders sent)
Rate Calculation Examples
Example 1: Standard Residential Property
Property Details: GRV $650,000, standard area, standard waste service
Calculation:
- GRV Component: 0.00685 × $650,000 = $4,452.50
- Minimum Rate: $1,310
- Waste Charge: $380
- Total: $4,452.50 + $380 = $4,832.50
Example 2: Coastal Vacant Land
Property Details: GRV $300,000, coastal strip, no waste service
Calculation:
- GRV Component: 0.00685 × $300,000 = $2,055
- Minimum Rate: $1,050 (higher of $2,055 or $1,050)
- Coastal Premium: 10% × $1,050 = $105
- Waste Charge: $0
- Total: $1,050 + $105 = $1,155
How GRV is Determined
The Gross Rental Value is assessed by Landgate and represents the annual rent a property could reasonably be expected to earn. Key factors include:
- Property size and location
- Number of bedrooms/bathrooms
- Property condition and age
- Local rental market trends
- Special features (pools, views, etc.)
Challenging Your GRV
If you believe your GRV is incorrect:
- Review comparable rental properties in your area
- Gather evidence (rental appraisals, recent sales data)
- Submit an objection to Landgate within 60 days of notice
- Consider professional valuation if dispute continues
Where Your Rates Money Goes
The City of Melville allocates rate revenue across these key service areas:
2024-25 Budget Allocation Breakdown
- Waste Services (28%): Kerbside collection, recycling, landfill management
- Roads & Infrastructure (22%): Maintenance, upgrades, footpaths
- Parks & Recreation (19%): Playgrounds, sports facilities, bushland
- Community Services (15%): Libraries, youth programs, events
- Administration (10%): Customer service, planning, governance
- Economic Development (6%): Business support, tourism, local economy
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my rates increase this year?
Rates typically increase annually due to:
- CPI adjustments (usually 2-3%)
- Changes in your property’s GRV
- New services or infrastructure projects
- State government rate capping policies
Can I pay my rates in installments?
Yes, Melville offers these payment options:
- Quarterly: Due September, December, March, June
- Monthly: Direct debit arrangement (no fee)
- Annual: Single payment by due date
- Deferred: For eligible pensioners (interest-free)
What happens if I don’t pay my rates?
Unpaid rates may incur:
- Interest charges (currently 7% per annum)
- Legal recovery action
- Property charge registration (for persistent non-payment)
- Loss of voting rights in council elections
If you’re experiencing financial hardship, contact the council immediately to discuss payment plans.
How to Reduce Your Rates
Legitimate Ways to Lower Your Bill
- Check your GRV: Ensure it’s accurate and comparable to similar properties
- Apply for concessions: If eligible for pensioner or seniors rebates
- Review waste services: Switch to reduced bin service if appropriate
- Pay on time: Avoid late payment interest charges
- Consolidate properties: Some multiple property owners qualify for rate capping
Common Myths About Reducing Rates
Avoid these ineffective strategies:
- ❌ Intentionally damaging your property to lower GRV
- ❌ Withholding payment to “protest” (will incur penalties)
- ❌ Claiming primary residence status for investment properties
- ❌ Ignoring rate notices (problems won’t disappear)
Comparing Melville Rates to Other Councils
Melville’s rates are generally middle-range compared to other Perth metropolitan councils:
| Council | Median GRV | Median Rates (2023-24) | Rate in $ per $1,000 GRV |
|---|---|---|---|
| City of Melville | $580,000 | $3,200 | $5.52 |
| City of Subiaco | $720,000 | $3,800 | $5.28 |
| Town of Claremont | $1,200,000 | $5,100 | $4.25 |
| City of Canning | $450,000 | $2,100 | $4.67 |
| City of Stirling | $550,000 | $2,800 | $5.09 |
Recent Changes to Melville Rates
2024-25 Rate Changes
The City of Melville implemented these adjustments for 2024-25:
- 2.5% general rate increase (in line with CPI)
- 10% increase in coastal strip premium (from 8% to 10%)
- New $20 annual levy for enhanced security patrols
- Expanded pensioner concession eligibility
- Introduction of paperless billing incentive ($10 credit)
Long-Term Rate Strategy
Melville’s 10-year financial plan includes:
- Gradual shift from GRV to site-value rating system
- Increased focus on user-pays principles for specific services
- Exploration of differential rates for high-value properties
- Enhanced online service delivery to reduce administrative costs
Useful Resources and Contacts
City of Melville Contact Information
- Phone: (08) 9364 0666
- Email: melinfo@melville.wa.gov.au
- Address: 10 Alpine Street, Melville WA 6156
- Website: www.melville.wa.gov.au
Additional Authoritative Sources
- WA Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries – State oversight of council rates
- Landgate WA – Property valuation information
- WA Local Government Association – Comparative council data