Council provides many vital services to the community including maintenance of roads, parks and gardens, sporting and recreation facilities, town planning, tourism, waste management, and much more.

Your rate payments help fund and better our community.

Brewarrina Shire Council annual rates are due 31 August, or alternatively, payments can be made quarterly on 31 August, 30 November, 28 February and May 31 each year. 

Rates can be paid online, at the Council’s Administration Office or sent through the mail. Acceptable methods of payments are cash, cheque, eftpos, direct debit or BPay.

Further information on how rates are calculated and frequently asked questions can be found below. If you have any further enquiries or can’t find the answer you are looking for, please contact Council on 6830 5100 or email breshire@brewarrina.nsw.gov.au

For further information on Land Values and Council rates, see the Valuer General fact sheet here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I pay rates?

Rates are used to maintain, improve and provide services and facilities for the ratepayers, residents and visitors to the local area. Funds from rates help pay for vital services including maintenance of roads, parks and gardens, town planning, drainage, waste management, animal services, pools, community services, and much more.

How does the Council set rates?

Rates are a primary source of income for Council. Each year, Council places on public exhibition a Draft Management Plan. This Plan discloses the Council’s intended activities for the next three years and its Revenue policy for the next financial year. The Revenue policy will disclose details of all rates and charges proposed for the coming financial year. Council’s Draft Management Plan will be on public exhibition during May and June each year.

Any member of the public may review and make comment on the provisions of these policies.

What is Rate Pegging?

Rate pegging is the percentage limit by which each Council may increase the total income it will receive from rates. The rate pegging percentage is set each year by the Minister for Local Government. The Minister may also specify the amount by which Councils may vary domestic waste management charges each year.

It is Important to note, where the rate-pegging limit set by the Minister in any given year is, for example 3.6%, this means that Council may only receive 3.6% more total income from rates than it received from the previous year. It does not mean that the rates levied on every individual property will increase by 3.6%

How are rates calculated?

Ordinary rates and special rates are assessed on land values using an ad valorem (with a minimum rate criteria). For further details on how rates are calculated based on land values is available here.

I do not agree with the Land Value of my property. What can I do?

Land value is determined by the Valuer General and all enquiries should be directed to their office.

Visit the Department of Lands web site – Land Valuations to find out all you need to know about the valuation of land by the Valuer General in NSW.

How do I know when to pay my rates?

Every property is issued a rate notice for each financial year by late July. You can either elect to pay the full years rates by the last working day in August or by quarterly instalments due by the last working day in August, November, February and May each year.

If you elect to make quarterly instalments, notices will be sent to you prior to the due date.

Pensioner Request Form for Rates Discount

Please fill this form out if you wish to apply for the discount on your rates if you are a current pensioner.

– Download Pensioner Request Form for Rates

Additional Concession Eligibility Requirements

• You must own the dwelling for which a concession is sought, and it must be occupied as your sole or principal place of residence.
• You will be required to produce your pensioner concession card as proof of entitlement prior to gaining a pension rebate.
• Persons who become eligible pensioners or cease to be eligible pensioners during the year will be granted a concession proportionate to the number of full quarters in which they were eligible.
• Where an eligible pensioner shares ownership with a non-eligible occupier, the amount of concession will also be determined on the proportionate equity in the property.

How do I receive my rebate?

Take your pension concession card in person to the council office and one of our friendly team will assist you in completing the application and adjusting your rates. 

What happens if I can’t pay my rates by the due date?

If you are having trouble paying rates on time, please contact Council to discuss a payment plan.

Unpaid rates will incur interest charges. Section 566 of the Local Government Act provides for the imposition of interest charges on overdue rates and charges. Interest is calculated on a daily basis and is only charged against the amount overdue.

In accordance with section 566(3) of the Act, it has been determined that the maximum rate of interest payable on overdue rates and charges for the period 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025 will be 10.5% per annum (FY 23/24 9.0%).

The methodology used to calculate the interest rate applicable for the period 1 June 2024 to 30 June 2025 is the Supreme Court methodology (the Reserve Bank cash rate plus 6%), rounded to the nearest half per cent. The cash rate used for the purposes of the maximum interest rate for local government is based on the cash rate set by the Reserve Bank of Australia on 5 December 2023.

Can I pay my rates more frequently?

Ratepayers are encouraged to use any of their payment options to make frequent payments. Most ratepayers will find this plan easier on the budget.

What do I do if I move?

When your property is sold, your solicitor or conveyancer will lodge a notice of sale with the Department of Lands or if applicable, your mortgagee. Upon registration, the Department will notify Council of the change of ownership. Until this notice is received Council cannot change the ownership of your property.

For further information on rates and payments, contact Council on 6830 5100 or email breshire@brewarrina.nsw.gov.au.