Rates and payments
Rates notices are issued annually in August with payment due in September.
Payment methods
- By mail to PO Box 48, Mount Barker, 6324.
- By phone using Mastercard or Visa by calling 1300 276 468. Quote Biller ID 000225 and use the reference number from the rear of your rates notice as the reference.
- In person at the Shire Administration Centre in Mount Barker Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:15pm.
- By BPay: contact your bank to make payment using a debit card. Quote Biller Code 93211 and use the reference number from the rear of your rates notice as the reference.
- By Bpoint internet payment facility using a Mastercard or Visa. Click here and use the reference number from the rear of your rates notice in the Customer Reference Number field.
Contact our Rates Officer on (08) 9892 1128 to discuss your options if you are having difficulty paying your rates.
Register for eRates
You may request to receive your rates notice via email instead of by post.
If you receive your rates notice via email, the following publications included with posted rates notices are not provided via email:
2026/2027 Rates Brochure
2026/2027 Bushfire Management Notice
2026/2027 Kerbside and Recycling Collection Calendar
2026-2027 Emergency Services Levy
2026/2027 Waste Brochure
Instalment options
All rates and charges are due 35 days from the date of issue of the original rates notice, unless an election to pay by instalments is made. Ratepayers may elect to pay by two or four instalments. Any arrears from the previous financial year are included in the first instalment and must be paid to be accepted into an instalment plan.
A $7.50 administration fee is payable when electing to pay by instalments.
Single payment: ratepayers who pay their rates in full by the 7 September 2026 due date enter the rates incentive prize draw.
Two instalments: instalments are due on 7 September 2026 and 11 January 2027.
Four instalments: instalments are due on 7 September 2026, 9 November 2026, 11 January 2027 and 15 March 2027.
Seven percent per annum simple interest is charged on all outstanding rates and charges, and the Emergency Services Levy, after the due date of the respective instalment reminder.
Eligible pensioners are exempt from interest charges on deferred rates and current rates.
Contact our Rates Officer on (08) 9892 1128 to discuss your options if you are having difficulty paying your rates.
Pay on time to win
Ratepayers who pay their rates in full by the 7 September 2026 due date enter the rates incentive prize draw.
First prize: A $750 savings account with the Mount Barker Community Bank Branch Bendigo Bank.
Second prize: Access to the Mount Barker Recreation Centre or Mount Barker Memorial Swimming Pool to a maximum value of $250.
Prizes are awarded to the first two entries drawn at random.
Late payment penalty
Seven percent per annum simple interest (charges daily) will be charged on all outstanding rates and charges that remain unpaid after 35 days from the date of issue of the rates notice and will continue to accrue until the day before payment is made.
Late payment penalty interest also applies to the Emergency Services Levy, waste rate levy, rubbish collection charges, and legal expenses.
Eligible pensioners are exempt from interest charges on deferred rates and current rates.
Understanding your rates
Refer to the 2026/2027 Rates Brochure.
Rates are the vital contribution of each property owner towards the provision of local government services and infrastructure required to meet the community’s immediate and future needs.
Rates help to fund day-to-day services, including the operation and maintenance of community facilities such as the Mount Barker Memorial Swimming Pool, Mount Barker Recreation Centre and Mount Barker Library & Community Resource Centre; parks, gardens, playgrounds; public open spaces and reserves; the construction and maintenance of roads, footpaths and trails; lighting; waste management; and emergency services.
Who pays rates?
Rates are the responsibility of the property owner. New owners and those transferring ownership have a legal responsibility to inform the Shire when a change in ownership or the address for the service of notice occurs.
How are rates calculated?
Rates are calculated annually from 1 July to 30 June.
They are based on the valuation of your property, assessed by the Valuer-General’s Office, using the following methods:
Unimproved Value (UV) is based on the land’s unimproved capital value. It is used predominantly for rural properties.
Gross Rental Value (GRV) is used for all other properties. It is based on a theoretical annual rental value should the property be rented to a third party. If the land is vacant, the valuation is based on five percent of the capital value.
For further information on valuations, visit Landgate's valuation webpage.
Rates are calculated by multiplying the rate in the dollar, set by the Council, by your property valuation. The rate in the dollar is based on the Shire's expenditure requirements, offset by income streams including grants from State and Federal governments, and fees and charges.
The Council sets a minimum rate for all properties to ensure property owners make an equitable contribution to the provision of local government services.
Minimum rates for the 2026/2027 Annual Budget are:
- Rural Townsites (GRV) $1,183
- Rural (GRV) $1,183
- Mount Barker Townsite (GRV) $1,183
- Strata Titles (GRV) $1,183
- Rural (UV) $1,350
- Mining (UV) $1,350.
For further information on the calculation of rateable values, visit Landgate's valuation webpage.
Objecting to your valuation
An objection to your valuation may be made to the Valuer-General within 60 days of the date of issue of the rates notice. Learn how to lodge an objection.
Waste Levy and charges
A Waste Levy applies to all properties to fund waste management at facilities in Mount Barker, Kendenup, Kamballup, Rocky Gully and Porongurup.
A Domestic Rubbish Bin Collection Charge applies to properties serviced by a household rubbish and recycling collection.
Green waste disposal is free for all ratepayers and is accepted at the Mount Barker, Kendenup and Rocky Gully tip sites.
Refer to the 2026/2027 Annual Budget for further information.
Emergency Services Levy (ESL)
The Emergency Services Levy is collected on behalf of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services.
It funds responding to 000 calls, fire and emergency services vehicles and facilities, volunteer fire brigades, State Emergency Service units and the volunteer emergency services unit. Direct ESL enquiries to DFES Head Office on (08) 9395 9300.
Concessions and rebates
Pensioner Concession Card holders may be eligible for a rebate of up to 50 percent of their rates to a maximum of $750. Pensioners may also be eligible for a rebate of the current year’s Emergency Services Levy and water service charges.
Eligible pensioners are exempt from being charged interest on deferred and current rates.
WA Seniors Card holders may be eligible to a rebate of up to 25 percent of their rates to a maximum of $100. Seniors may also be eligible for a rebate of the current year’s Emergency Services Levy.
Partial concessions are available to pensioners and seniors who own and occupy their property at 1 July and become eligible during that financial year.
For further information regarding rates concessions, contact our Rates Officer on (08) 989 1128.
Interim rates
You may receive an interim rates notice at any time of the year if you make building improvements on your property, subdivide or demolish a building on your property.