Property owners in the Bega Valley Shire receive a rates notice at the start of each financial year.

The ordinary rate consists of a base rate and an ad valorem charge. The base charge of $369.42 for properties in the residential, business and farmland categories – reflects the cost of providing common services.

The ad valorem charge differs for the business category and it is levied on the unimproved land value of a property, as determined by the Department of Lands - NSW Valuer Generals Department. You can contact the Valuer General on 1800 110 038 for any queries relating to your land value.

The ad valorem rates are:

Council has been successful in gaining the ministers approval for a special rate variation of 2.84% in addition to the state government 3.50% rate capping. This special rate variation is approved for a period of five years for the improvement of sporting and recreation facilities within the Shire.

If you have a pensioner concession card you may be eligible for a rebate on your rates. To be eligible the rateable property must be your principal place of residence. If you think you may be eligible for the rebate and it is not shown on your rates notice please make inquiries by phoning our customer service centre on (02) 6499 2222.

All pension rebate applications will undergo confirmation by Centrelink. more »»»

* Unconnected sewer charges relate to vacant land within 75m of the sewer main.

The sewerage charges for non residential properties are calculated based on a combination of access and usage components multiplied by the relevant discharge factor.

The sewerage usage charge is calculated by multiplying the water usage (from your water meter) x sewerage discharge factor (as a %) x $3.22 per kilolitre.

The on-site sewage management charge applies to those properties not connected to a reticulated sewerage scheme.

The charge was introduced to assist Council to manage and regulate on-site sewage management systems with the ultimate aim to safeguard and improve the quality of public and environmental health with the Bega Valley Shire.

* Unconnected charge relates to vacant properties within 225m of the water main.

Please note, water accounts are not issued until they exceed $20.

This charge contributes towards the cost of rehabilitating and monitoring closed waste and sanitary depots, the operation of Council's recycling and waste depots, waste minimisation initiatives and Council's household hazardous waste collection.

This charge is allocated to each parcel of rateable land in the shire including occupied and unoccupied land.

As part of the Bega Valley Sewerage Program, Council has constructed sewer schemes in the Wallaga Lake, Cobargo, Wolumla, Candelo and Kalaru areas. These schemes have been assisted by capital works subsidies from the NSW and Federal Governments. However, owners of properties connected during the program are required to pay a small capital contribution towards construction of the works.

This charge applies to all residential and commercial properties sewered under the program. The charge is $1,000 total being applied at $100 per year for 10 years for properties with a 20mm water meter. Capital contributions and capital works requirements associated with caravan parks and other large commercial premises will be by negotiation with Council.