The City is now inviting submissions from the community after the Council endorsed the proposed rating model for the 2025/26 financial year.
To reduce pressure on households the City is proposing no increase in total residential rate yield (0%) and a modest 2.1% overall increase in total rates revenue in 2025/26.
This is below both the City’s Long Term Financial Plan projection of 2.4% and Perth December CPI of 2.9%.
The City is also able to absorb rising costs it is facing through investments such as The Quarter and other income streams to reduce the burden on ratepayers.
Property values are set independently by the WA Government’s Landgate every three years for rating purposes, and this year is a revaluation year, which will impact the Gross Rental Value, and rates across all properties.
For the 2025/26 year, the City is proposing a rate in the dollar value of 0.055795 for residential properties down from last years 0.076119 to accommodate for the revaluations.
However, due to the change in valuations, property owners will notice a change in their annual rate value.
The proposed model would generate approximately $66.3 million in rates in the 2025/26 financial year, making up 38% of the City’s total funding.
City of Karratha Mayor Daniel Scott said Council was attempting to reduce the impact of the revaluations on residents.
“We are aware of the impact rising costs are having on our community and given this we have proposed to not increase rates; to try and reduce any impact the revaluations have on ratepayers.
“Our strategy is to absorb these impacts and maintain overall residential rates revenue at levels similar to last year.”
Mayor Scott said the proposed rates model meets the anticipated revenue requirements of the 2025/26 Budget.
“Council has worked hard to reduce its reliance on rates, with most of the revenue required is sourced from government grants, the private sector, investments, and fees and charges,” Cr Scott said.
“This proposed model is now open for public comment, and we appreciate your feedback that will be used to help inform the final rates model.”
To provide feedback, visit: https://whatwemakeit.karratha.wa.gov.au/index.php?cID=602