Your Rates Explained

City of Newcastle ratepayers can look forward to receiving a revamped rate notice in their mailbox or email inbox this July. In accordance with the Local Government Act, the new notice incorporates all the required information to ensure transparency.  We also asked for customer feedback and redesigned the notice to enhance readability and comprehension. Our primary goal is to simplify the language used and address concerns regarding the use of colour. 

In addition to design changes, we have introduced convenient online options to set up a direct debit, change your postal address or apply for a pensioner concession. While our Customer Service Team are available during business hours, these services are now accessible at your convenience, allowing you to complete them at a time that suits you. 

A typical residential rates notice is made up of the following charges:

1. The Ordinary Residential Base Amount is the same for every property. This year it is $894.94.
2. The Ordinary Residential Rate is related to your property's land value. Higher value properties pay a greater rate while lower value properties pay a smaller one.
3. The Hunter Catchment Contribution is a rate that’s collected by us on behalf of the NSW Local Land Services. The amount is based on your property’s land value.
4. The Stormwater Residential Charge is a flat annual charge of $25 per property and $12.50 per strata unit.
5. The Domestic Waste Management Service Charge is a flat charge of $553.00 for all properties.

A typical business rates notice is made up of the following charges:

1. The Ordinary Business Rate is related to your property’s land value. Higher value properties pay a greater rate while lower value properties pay a smaller one. This rate is subject to a minimum of $1,237.90. In some cases, large-scale industrial and commercial businesses will pay an Ordinary Business Rate based on a subcategory. 
2. The Hunter Catchment Contribution is a rate that’s collected by us on behalf of the NSW Local Land Services. The amount is based on your property’s land value.
3. The Business Stormwater Charge is calculated based on the area of your land but cannot exceed $5,000.
4. The Business Waste Management Service Charge is a flat charge of $325.00 per each business property.
5. For some business properties special rates also apply.

For Farmland properties the Ordinary Farmland Rate is payable. This is related to your property’s land value but is subject to a minimum of $1,237.90. The Hunter Catchment Contribution and the Domestic Waste Management Service Charge as referenced above are also levied on farmland properties.

The Fees and Charges Register outlines fees for all user-pay services, including car parking charges, swimming centre fees, footway restaurant fees, parks and recreational fees and building certificate fees.

Discover the impact of your rates on the services, initiatives, and projects in the city by reading our Rates Flyer. Gain valuable insights into how your contributions are shaping the development of our vibrant community.

2023

• June 2023 - Rates Flyer  (PDF)
• April 2023 - Rates Flyer  (PDF)
• October 2023 - Rates Flyer

2024

• Autumn 2024 - Rates Flyer
• Winter 2024 - Rates Flyer
• Spring 2024 - Rates Flyer