Rating Review - Rebalancing our Rating System

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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

Phase 1 ran across December late last year. It was all about starting the conversation, raising awareness about the project and helping everyone understand how the rating system works and how rates are calculated.

We're now in Phase 2 and there's several opportunities for you to inform Council’s decision-making. We’re focused on opening up discussion, sharing perspectives and making sure everyone has the chance to explore the proposal.


Here's how you can participate in Phase 2:

  • Once released (later this week) read Part B of A Review of the Basis of Rating – Consultation Paper
  • 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
  • Provide a written submission by email to participate@yankalilla.sa.gov.au or post to PO Box 9, Yankalilla SA 5203
  • Complete the Survey Form online here or pick up a hard copy from Council

To learn more:

  • Register to follow the project - We'll keep the conversation going with regular updates.
  • Ask a question or leave a comment here on Your Say Yankalilla
  • Email us participate@yankalilla.sa.gov.au
  • Prefer a conversation? Contact Council staff on (08) 8558 0200 to arrange a time to discuss.



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

Phase 1 ran across December late last year. It was all about starting the conversation, raising awareness about the project and helping everyone understand how the rating system works and how rates are calculated.

We're now in Phase 2 and there's several opportunities for you to inform Council’s decision-making. We’re focused on opening up discussion, sharing perspectives and making sure everyone has the chance to explore the proposal.


Here's how you can participate in Phase 2:

  • Once released (later this week) read Part B of A Review of the Basis of Rating – Consultation Paper
  • 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
  • Provide a written submission by email to participate@yankalilla.sa.gov.au or post to PO Box 9, Yankalilla SA 5203
  • Complete the Survey Form online here or pick up a hard copy from Council

To learn more:

  • Register to follow the project - We'll keep the conversation going with regular updates.
  • Ask a question or leave a comment here on Your Say Yankalilla
  • Email us participate@yankalilla.sa.gov.au
  • Prefer a conversation? Contact Council staff on (08) 8558 0200 to arrange a time to discuss.



  • Rating Review 2025

    33 responses

    Exploring the Rating Review proposal, the impacts and trade-offs - share you're perspective


    This survey will close on Thursday, 19 February 2026.

    Council is reviewing the way rates are structured to ensure the system remains fair, affordable and financially sustainable over the long term.

    In Phase 1, Council shared information about how rates work and the options being considered.

    Phase 2 provides new information, including modelling that shows the likely impacts of proposed changes across different property types.

    This survey focuses on understanding impacts and trade-offs before any decisions are made.

    There are no right or wrong answers - your perspective matters.

    At the end of the survey, we’ll ask a few optional questions about you. This information helps us better understand who is taking part and ensures the feedback reflects a broad range of people and perspectives in our community.

    Take Survey
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Page last updated: 16 Jan 2026, 04:52 PM