Rebates and Concessions

Rate Concessions

The State Government, in providing equity across SA in this area, has in the past funded a range of concessions on Council rates. These concessions were formerly available to the holders of pensioner concession cards, veterans, low income earners, unemployed, students, and self funded retirees. These concessions were all abolished by the State Government with effect from 30^th June 2015. From July 1 2015, the State Government has elected to replace these concessions with a single “cost of living payment” provided directly to those entitled. This payment may be used for any purpose, including offsetting council rates. Note that not all former recipients of rate concessions will be entitled to the new payment. To check eligibility, contact the Department for Communities and Social Inclusion (DCSI) Concessions Hotline 1800 307 758 or at www.sa.gov.au

Single Farm Enterprise

Two or more pieces of rateable land defined as farm land, may constitute a single farm enterprise, whereby only one fixed charge may be imposed against the whole of the land. See the Single Farm Enterprise Application on our website for details of eligibility.

Rebate of Rates

The Local Government Act requires Councils to rebate some or all of the rates payable on some land. (Chapter 10 Division 5). This includes rebates on land used predominantly for such things as health, community services, religion, cemeteries, education etc.

Any person or body eligible for a rebate may apply to the Council in writing providing as much information as possible to substantiate the grounds for a rebate in accordance with the Act. Information on the rate rebates is available by contacting the Finance Officer - Rates on 8584 8000.

Rate Cap Rebate

Council will offer a rate cap to assessments that experience a rise in their rates payable compared to their rates that were due to be paid in the 2022-23 year. The proposed percentage for the cap for this financial year is 12.5%. A Rate Capping Rebate Application Form can be downloaded from our website. The cap is applicable to all assessments except for where the following changes have occurred on the property:

• Ownership has changed since 1 January 2021
• Improvements have been made on property since 1 January 2021 with a value in excess of $10,000
• There has been a change of land use, or there have been zoning changes which have contributed to the increase in valuation
• The valuation has increased due to the maturity of plantings which have been planted within the previous 6 years

Postponement of Rates - Hardship

Section 182 of the Local Government Act permits the Council, on the application of the ratepayer, to partially or wholly remit rates or to postpone rates, on the basis of hardship. Where the ratepayer is suffering hardship in paying rates he/she is invited to contact the Council's Rate Administrator on 8584 8000 to discuss the matter. Council treats such enquiries confidentially and has arranged for access to the Rural Financial Counsellor to undertake assessments independently.

Postponement of Rates -  Seniors

Application may be made to Council for a postponement of the payment of any amount of rates in excess of $500.00, for the current or a future financial year by -

• A ratepayer who holds a current State Seniors Card issued by the State Government, (prescribed ratepayer) or spouse of a prescribed ratepayer;
• Where the rates are payable on the principal place of resident;
• Where the land is owned by the prescribed ratepayer, or the prescribed ratepayer and his or her spouse, and no other person has an interest, as owner, in the land.

Any rates which are postponed will become due and payable:

• When the title to the land is transferred to another person; or
• There is a failure to comply with a condition of postponement.

Interest will accrue on the amount postponed at the prescribed rate per month until the full amount is paid.

Postponement of rates/ waiving of fines and interest environmental conditions - application form