Understanding my rate notice

General rates

Bundaberg Regional Council is required by law to levy a general rate or differential general rate on every rateable property each financial year. Council uses a differential rating scheme to calculate properties’ general rate.

This is a fair and equitable way of charging according to land use.

General rates are for services, facilities and activities that are supplied or undertaken for the benefit of the community. Council is required to raise an appropriate amount of revenue to maintain assets and provide services to the region as a whole.

The value of your property, along with the main or primary land use, is the basis for the calculation of the general rate. The Department of Resources (DoR) sets the rateable value and land use. For valuation enquiries contact DoR.

There are 13 categories in Bundaberg Regional Council set in the 2024/25 budget. Every property is allocated one of these categories and each category has a cents in the dollar rate and a minimum general rate.

General rates are calculated by multiplying the rateable value of a property by the category’s ‘cents in the dollar rate’. Example Urban Residential with a rating valuation of $103,000: $103,000 x 0.010053 = $1,035.45. The minimum charge applies when the resulting amount falls below the set minimum general rate for the category.

A summary of Council’s differential general rates and land use codes are listed in the revenue statement contained in the budget document(PDF, 5MB).

Council charges

Below is a list of all Council charges that can be included in a rate notice. Not all charges are applicable to everyone.

  • Water Infrastructure Charge
  • Water Consumption Charge
  • Sewerage Charge
  • Waste Collection Charge
  • Community Wellbeing and Environment Charge
  • Trade Waste Charges

Detailed information on each of these charges can be found in the budget document(PDF, 5MB).

State Government charges

State Government Emergency Management Levy

The State Government Emergency Management Levy is collected on behalf of Queensland Fire Department (QFD).

All rateable properties within the Bundaberg Regional Council area must pay the levy. The amount of the levy is dependent upon factors such as the use made of the land, the size and nature of any improvements on the property and the location.

This charge is not a Council charge and the revenue is sent to the State Government.

Waste Levy

Council receives an annual payment from the Queensland Government to mitigate any direct impacts of the waste levy on households. The annual payment for the 2023-2024 financial year is $3,428,137.

Waste levy FAQ

Rates notice explained

Understand your rates notice by viewing our sample rates notice with explanations below.

For further assistance with your rates notice please contact 1300 883 699

Water advice notice explained

Understand your water advice notice by viewing our sample with explanations below.

water advice guide