General Rates Information FAQs

What do rates pay for?
How are my rates calculated?

    What do rates pay for?

    Rates pay for community services and essential infrastructure such as roads, bridges, footpaths, parks, community buildings and facilities, playgrounds and sporting facilities. Rates are the primary source of funding used to maintain and renew infrastructure. As rates fund essential community services and assets, it is important that they are at the right level to ensure the community continues to receive the services they need.

    The range of services provided by Armidale Regional Council that rates provide full or partial funding for include:

    Asset Driven Services

    Economic Development

    Corporate Services

    Other

    Maintenance and Renewal of:

    • Roads
    • Bridges
    • Footpaths
    • Drainage
    • Buildings
    • Other Infrastructure

    Grant Attraction

    Customer Service

    Community Services

    • Aboriginal community development
    • Aged care
    • Youth
    • General

    Armidale Regional Airport

    Local Economic Development

    Council

    Rural Fire Service Contributions

    Parks and Reserves

    Sporting Fields

    Cemeteries

    Tourism Promotion and Marketing

    Corporate Planning

    State Emergency Service Contributions

    Cleaning of Mall and Town Centres

    Local Events Coordination

    Financial Management

    Fire Brigade Contributions

    Street Sweeping

    Visitor Information Centre

    Governance

    New England Weeds Authority

    Street Lighting

    NERAM Contribution

    Risk and Safety

    Animal Control

    Libraries

    Planning and Development

    Records Management

    Development Compliance

    Swimming Pools


    Human Resources

    Health and Enforcement Regulatory Functions

    Saleyards


    Information Technology


    Guyra Pre School


    Project Management and Design


    Museums




    top of the page

    How are my rates calculated?

    Rates are levied on all rateable properties using a combination of a base amount and land valuation. The base amount is the same for all properties within a category. The land value is determined by the NSW Valuer General.

    Rates levied on property owners based on land value vary according to:

    • Land category or sub-category (e.g. residential, farmland, business).
    • Land value (not including the value of your home or other structures).
    • Council’s rating policy (e.g. business rates are higher than residential rates).

    In addition to rates, other charges appear on your rate notice such as a waste management and water and sewerage access charges.

    top of the page