This page is sourced from the former Cairns City Council website. For more information, click here. Frequently Asked Questions - Rates
How is the General Rate calculated?
Rates and charges are applied to property in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993. Prior to the beginning of each financial year the actual amounts of these rates and charges to be levied are decided on and adopted in a Budget Meeting of the Cairns City Council.
General rates are based on the latest Unimproved Land Valuation (ULV) as determined by the Department of Natural Resources and Water, and are charged using a ‘rate in the dollar’ system. In order to ensure an equitable distribution of this charge across ratepayers, minimum general rates have been established. The charge can be higher than the minimum, dependent on the ULV of your property, but it cannot be lower than the minimum general rate.
A differential code is used to charge different dollar rates depending on land use categories such as Residential, Commercial and Rural Productive. The category of your property is listed on the front of your Rate Notice together with your Land Use code. Refer to the Rates and Charges booklet (sent out with all rates notices) for comprehensive details of the Differential General Rates. For more information about the valuation process, visit the Department of Natural Resources and Water or contact the NR&W call centre on 1300 664 217. Return to Top
What other charges are applied?
When Will I Receive My Rates Notice?
Rates notices are issued half-yearly, usually July/August and January/February. Rates notices are due and payable within 31 days of issue. Supplementary notices may also be issued at other times (eg, for properties that were rated as vacant but a dwelling has since been built). Water usage notices being issued three times per financial year. Water meters are read on a continual basis at approximately four month intervals. Return to Top
Cairns City Council provides customers with a variety of ways to pay their rates. Full details of available payment methods are listed on the reverse of each rates notice. In all cases the Assessment Number is used as the reference. Payment options include
Available payment options are listed on the Cairns Water website. Return to Top
Can I defer/cancel/change my Direct Debit?
Yes. Deferral - Council requires five (5) working days notification prior to your next Direct Debit occurring or we cannot guarantee the request be actioned. Cancellation - Cancellation will occur immediately once received by the Revenue Control Department. Direct Debit Deferral/Cancellation Form.
To change your existing Direct Debit details, please use the Change to Direct Debit Request form.
My Address has changed. What do I need to do?
Notification of change of address must be lodged in writing by the owner of the property, directly to Council Offices (PO Box 359, Cairns). The new postal address can be advised by way of letter to Council, on the Change of Address form (also available from Council’s Customer Service Centre by phoning 4044 3044) or complete the details on the back of your Rates Notice. Council does not accept any changes over the phone or verbally in any instances. Return to Top
Is GST charged on my Rates or Water Bills?
Council's Australian Business Number is 21 543 571 965 Return to Top
How Much Is The Discount On Rates?
A discount of 5% will apply to general rates and charges only (excluding water usage, special charges and State Government Fire Levies) if all current and outstanding rates and charges have been paid in full within 31 days of issue. The discount is not granted on arrears. In order to receive the benefit of discount, payments must have been actually received by Council (or its agent) by close of business on the due date, as specified on the rate assessment notice. Return to Top
Is There Any Discount On Water Usage Charges?
No discount is given on water usage charges, Special Charges, State Government Fire Levies or Council pensioner remission. Return to Top
Will Interest Be Charged If My Rates Are Not Paid By The Due Date?
Interest will be charged at the rate of 11% per annum calculated at compounded interest at daily rests on all rates and charges which remain unpaid thirty (30) days after expiration of the due date for payment. Interest is charged in accordance with section 1018 of the Local Government Act 1993. Return to Top
I'm A Pensioner. How Do I Apply For Remission On My Rates?
All applications for remission must be in writing on the prescribed application form which is also obtainable by phoning Council’s Customer Service Centre on 4044 3044 or by visiting a Council office. The application contains a declaration as to the accuracy of the information contained therein and a copy of your Centrelink or Veterans Affairs pensioner card must be attached to the form. Some of the guidelines are as follows:
Other conditions apply. Please phone Council for further details. Return to Top
How Much Is The Council Pensioner Remission?
A remission of up to 40% of the General Rate to a maximum of $1,350 per annum is available to eligible owner occupiers. The discount is not applicable to the Council Pensioner Remission amount, that is, it only applies to the general rate less pensioner remission. Return to Top
How Much is the State Pensioner Remission?
The Queensland Government’s Pensioner Rate Subsidy Scheme provides a subsidy equal to 20 per cent (up to a maximum amount of $180 each year) of the gross rates and charges levied by a local government. Eligibility criteria apply. Phone Council on 4044 3044 for further information. Return to Top
What Assistance Is Available If I Am Having Difficulty Paying My Rates?
Council encourages ratepayers to enter into Direct Debit Arrangements. These arrangements are a regular amount that is debited against your bank account to pay for your Council rates. The amount you nominate (and that is satisfactory to Council) must be sufficient to clear the debt by the end of the rating period. Download the Continuous Direct Debit Application Form here, or contact Council's Customer Service Centre on 4044 3044 to discuss conditions.
Council has also established an Independent Rate Relief Tribunal. The tribunal meets on an as-needs basis to review applications from ratepayers who are experiencing genuine, long-term and extreme financial difficulty. The guidelines for these applications are contained in the Application Form. The following categories are ineligable for assistance: Commercial/Industrial properties, owners of multiple dwellings (more than 1 unit), vacant land, and owners of more than one property.
For application forms, visit the Customer Service Centre or phone 4044 3044. Return to Top
What Rate assistance is available for community organisations?
Council may offer rate based financial assistance to non-profit recreation, sporting and community groups. For enquiries and information on eligibility criteria, phone 4044 3044. Return to Top
Land Record Search for Conveyancing Purposes
Information you will receive from a Rates Search request will be such things as the current owner, unimproved value, current rates, rates arrears, and also if applicable, such things as registration/license fees, requisitions or other general remarks on property. Use the Land Record Search Form to request searches for property conveyancing. Return to Top
Councils throughout Queensland collect and remit the Fire Levy on behalf of the State Government. The levy funds the provision of fire services across Queensland. No discount is granted on this levy. Any correspondence as to the charge should be addressed to: Queensland Fire and Rescue Service, GPO Box 1425, Brisbane QLD 4001. Return to Top
