Understanding my rates

Residential

Land is categorised as residential if its main use is for residential accommodation.

Farming

Land is categorised as farming if its main use is for farming such as grazing, animal feedlots, dairying, pig or poultry farming, or vegetable or crop growing. It also needs a significant commercial purpose of making profits continuously. If the property is of a rural nature but is not farming for commercial purposes, the land cannot be classed as farmland.

Business

Land is categorised as a business if it does not fall under the residential or farmland categories.

Mining

Land is categorised as mining if its used as a coal mine.

Land values are determined by the NSW Valuer General on a three (3) year cycle.

Land values don’t include structures on your land, but do consider drainage, excavations, filling and clearing. Valuers also consider factors such as:

• Zoning and heritage restrictions
• Location and views
• Size, shape and features
• Nearby development and infrastructure.

The Valuer General will re-value land in Maitland in 2023, which will come into effect from 1 July 2023. Land holders will be provided with a new Notice of Valuation.

Some residents may pay more or less depending on the changing value of their land and how it compares with the changes in land values across the City. Also, an increase in land values does not guarantee a similar increase in rates.

If you disagree with the valuation you can request a review by the Valuer General within 60 days.

You can find out more information on land values via the NSW Valuer General.

Bin services

Your bin collection service fee is added to your annual rates. This fee also depends on any additional bins you may have, in addition to the normal domestic waste package.

Stormwater management fee

The Stormwater Management Service fee is to help Council manage stormwater issues by funding new activities like stormwater pollution prevention, flood mitigation, rainwater and stormwater harvesting, community education programs, and stormwater drainage operations and maintenance.

Hunter Catchment Contributions

Hunter Catchment Contributions are collected by Council on behalf of Hunter Local Land Services. These contributions are invested into projects in the Hunter catchment.

Council retains 5% of this levy as commission.