Why does Council charge rates?
Council provides a wide range of services which benefit the community. These include managing and maintaining expensive infrastructure such as local roads, the LibraryMuseum, sports stadium, sporting grounds, childcare centres, parks and
playgrounds and street lighting. Council also provides services such as planning and development assessment, waste collection and economic development.
One of the ways in which Council funds these services is through their statutory power to charge Council rates. Rates account for the largest portion of Council funds. Fees and charges, and grants from the federal and state governments make up the balance.