Rates and payments
Rates notices are issued in August each year with payment due in September.
Payment methods
Payments can be made in the following ways:
- By mail to PO Box 48, Mount Barker, 6324.
- By telephone 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 Mon-Fri 9:00am-4:15pm.
- BPay: contact your financial institution to make payment using your 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.
If you have any problems making payment, contact our Rates Officer as soon as possible on (08) 9892 1128 to discuss your options.
Request to receive rates via email
Complete this form to have your rates notice issued by email instead of posted. If you receive your rates notice by email, the following publications are included in the rates notice envelope:
2025-2026 Rates Brochure
2025/2026 Annual Bush Fire Mitigation Notice
2025/2026 Kerbside and Recycling Collection Calendar
2025-2026 Emergency Services Levy
2025-2026 Waste Brochure
Instalment options
All rates and charges are due and payable 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. Due dates are as follows:
Single payment: ratepayers who pay their rates in full by the 22 September 2025 due date enter the rates incentive prize draw.
Two instalments: ratepayers may elect to pay by two instalments. Instalments are due on 22 September 2025 and 27 January 2026.
Four instalments: ratepayers may elect to pay by four instalments. Instalments are due on 22 September 2025, 27 November 2025, 27 January 2026 and 30 March 2026.
Seven percent per annum simple interest is charged on all outstanding rates and charges, and the Emergency Services Levy, that remain unpaid after the due date of the respective instalment reminder.
Eligible pensioners are exempt from interest charges on deferred rates and current rates.
If you are struggling to pay your rates, please contact our Rates Officer as soon as possible on (08) 9892 1128 to discuss your options.
Pay on time to win
Ratepayers who pay their rates in full by the 22 September 2025 due date enter the rates incentive prize draw. Instalment options are ineligible for the rates incentive prize draw.
First prize: A $750 savings account with the Mount Barker Community Bank Branch Bendigo Bank.
Second prize: A two-night stay for two people in a premium room at the Perth Ambassador Hotel with full buffet breakfast daily and complementary car parking.
Third 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 three 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
Rates are the contribution each property owner makes to essential services and infrastructure for the benefit of the community. The Shire collects rates to fund day-to-day services, including the operation and maintenance of facilities such as the Mount Barker Memorial Swimming Pool, Mount Barker Recreation Centre and Mount Barker Public Library; 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 current 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. Rates are charged based on your property’s Gross Rental Value (GRV) or Unimproved Value (UV).
Rates are calculated by multiplying the rate in the dollar, set by the Council, by your property valuation. The Council sets the rate in the dollar as part of the annual budget process. It is based on the Shire's expenditure requirements, offset by income streams. These include grants from State and Federal Governments, and fees and charges.
The valuation of your property is assessed by the State Government's Valuer General's Office using the following methods:
Unimproved Value (UV) is based on the land’s unimproved capital value. It is used for farming and horticultural 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.
The Council sets a minimum rate for all properties to ensure property owners make an equitable contribution to the services and infrastructure provided to the community.
Minimum rates for the 2025/2026 Budget are as follows:
- Rural Townsites (GRV) $1,117
- Rural (GRV) $1,117
- Mount Barker Townsite (GRV) $1,117
- Strata Titles (GRV) $1,117
- Rural (UV) $1,200
- Mining (UV) $1,200.
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 within 60 days of the date of issue of the rates notice. Objection forms can be downloaded here.
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.
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.
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.