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How Rates are Calculated

If you own property, you are required to pay rates to the local Council where your property is located.

In Townsville, your rates bill is sent with your utilities bill – as one total amount.

We issue rate and utilities notices twice yearly – usually in February and August.

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There are two things that impact how your rates are calculated each year.

Your Land Valuation – State Government decides the value of land independently, based on things like recent sales, how the land is used, rules for building, and how close it is to important places like schools or parks. Council does not set or influence these land values.
Rate in the Dollar – We classify properties into different categories like homes or businesses. Each category has its own ‘Rate in the dollar’ which is set annually by Council. This rate represents the amount of money payable per dollar of the land valuation.

To calculate your gross annual rate, multiply the land valuation by the rate in the dollar. This gives you the total amount of rates payable before any special charges, concessions or discounts are applied.

Council offers various concessions and discounts available for certain property owners, such as pensioners, not-for profit organisations and prompt payments discounts for properties occupied as a principal place of residence.