FAQs

Council rates are a form of taxation. As the main source of funding for councils, they are essential in enabling councils to deliver services and facilities that the community relies upon.

Taxes collected by councils are only a fraction of the total taxes paid by Australians – less than 4% in fact. The Federal Government receives approximately 80% of the taxes Australians pay, while State Governments receive about 16%.

Councils are more than roads and rubbish. The City of Victor Harbor, like many other councils, delivers more than 100 services and facilities for our community, along with a number of major construction projects.

Councils deliver services and facilities like the library, sports and recreation grounds, playgrounds, parks, social support services, building assessments, footpaths and public art.

An infographic explaining the services council offers is provided below. 

These services are also outlined in the activity area overview descriptions on pages 28 to 43 of the draft Annual Business Plan.

The City of Victor Harbor’s council rates are made up of two components – a fixed charge and differential rate.

The fixed charge is a base amount paid by all rateable properties irrespective of their value that contributes to the delivery of services, programs and projects that supports each property.

The differential rate proportion is based on whether the land is used for residential, commercial, primary production, industrial, vacant land or other purposes. It is calculated by multiplying the individual property value (which is provided to Council by the Valuer General) by the differential rate in the dollar adopted for the relevant land use category.

Council is budgeting to raise $27.6 million in rates. Approximately 20% of this is raised through the fixed charge proportion which is proposed to be $479 in 2023/24.

The remaining rates are calculated based on the capital value of the property. This is determined by multiplying the individual property value (capital value provided by State Valuation Office) by the differential rate in the dollar adopted by Council for the relevant land use category.

The 2023/24 rates in the dollar have been reduced compared to 2022/23 to take into consideration increases in capital values. The differential rate structure is outlined below

Valuations are provided to Council by the Valuer-General annually. The may vary as a result of market fluctuations or changes that are made to the property.

If you are dissatisfied with the valuation made by the Valuer-General, then you can lodge an objection within 60 days of receiving your rates notice. Objections must be made to the Valuer-General in writing.

A written objection to valuation must set out the full and detailed grounds for objection and further information and objection packs (including a reply-paid envelope) are available on request by calling Land Services SA on 1300 653 346.

Council has no role in this process. It is important to note that the lodgment of an objection to your capital valuation, does not change the due date for the payment of Council rates.

Each year the City of Victor Harbor seeks the community’s feedback on its draft Annual Business Plan and Budget. The draft for 2023/24 is currently out for public comment.

Download the draft Annual Business Plan and/or the summary document to find out more about what is being proposed and then have your say:

• By completing our online survey;
• In writing addressing your feedback to the Chief Executive Officer and returning it by post to PO Box 11, Victor Harbor SA 5211; by email to localgov@victor.sa.gov.au; or hand deliver to the Civic Centre at 1 Bay Road, Victor Harbor.
• Attend the public meeting on Thursday, 25 May 2023 at 6.30pm at the Civic Centre.

The public consultation period closes at 5pm on Monday, 29 May 2023.