Rating Review - Rebalancing our Rating System
Council is reviewing the basis of its rating structure and has developed a proposal that rebalances the distribution of rates.
The community is invited to learn how Council's rating system works today, understand the factors that influence rating decisions and share views on the proposal. Feedback will help Council identify what’s working and consider whether adjustments are needed to meet community expectations and better support equity and long-term financial sustainability.
The focus of the Rating Review is on how rates are distributed, not how much revenue Council raises or what services are delivered.
The review considers:
Rating distribution and trends in property value across the District;
Land use and ownership patterns;
Capacity to pay across different property types; and
The District’s socio-economic diversity, business diversity and community values.
To learn more, read A Review of the Basis of Rating Consultation Paper - Part A online here - you'll find it in the Resource Library - or in-person at Council's Main Office or the Yankalilla Library.
Why a review is being undertaken
The last comprehensive review of Council’s rating structure was completed in 2016. Since then, the District has experienced significant change, including:
Growth in property valuations;
Shifts in land use, with more mixed-use and non-primary production ownership of rural land;
Evolving community needs and expectations; and
Perceptions of inequity, especially between town and rural properties.
This review provides an opportunity to:
Distribute rates equitably across property types;
Align rating practices with community values and capacity to pay;
Consider adjustments that enhance sustainability and fairness; and
Strengthen transparency and understanding of how rating decisions are made.
Phased engagement program
We’re currently in Phase 1 of community engagement. This phase is all about starting the conversation, raising awareness about the project and helping everyone understand how the rating system works and how rates are calculated.
Phase 2 will come next and that’s when you’ll have the opportunity to inform Council’s decision-making. For now, we’re focused on opening up discussion, sharing information and making sure everyone has the chance to learn more before we move into the detailed decision phase.
Here's how you can participate in Phase 1:
- Register to follow the project - We'll keep the conversation going with weekly updates throughout the engagement period (with a short pause over Christmas–New Year).
- Ask a question or leave a comment here on Your Say Yankalilla
- Join the Information Drop-In Session at the Yankalilla Library, WED, 17 December 3pm - 6:30pm
- Email us participate@yankalilla.sa.gov.au
- Prefer a conversation? Contact Council staff on (08) 8558 0200 to arrange a time to discuss.
In Phase 2 there will be further opportunities to get involved:
- Come along to the Community Workshop at the Myponga Hall, MON, 19 January 3pm - 6:30pm
- Provide feedback at the Pop-Up Engagement Stand, Australia Day celebrations at Memorial Park, Yankalilla, MON 26 January 8am - 11am.
- Provide a verbal submission at the Public Meeting, held in conjunction with the Council Meeting, TUES, 17 February 6pm - 7pm.
Rating Review Information Sheet
How your rates are calculated
Who's Listening
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Director Corporate Services
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Strategic Reporting & Engagement Officer
Phone (08) 8558 0200 Email participate@yankalilla.sa.gov.au
The detailed proposal - A Review of the Basis of Rating Consultation Paper - Part A, prepared by UHY Hains Norton - is available to download here on the project site. Also here, you can view and download the Rating Review Information Sheet for quicker reading about the proposed changes and read the information sheet How Your Rates are Calculated.
How can you engage with rate payers if you won't send out detailed proposal of the change. We know why, but What are tge changes. Our rates are SO HIGH already!!!!!