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.
How your rates are calculated
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.
Why are there other charges on my bill?
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.
In addition to general rates, there may be special charges included on your rates notice. The Emergency Management, Fire and Rescue Levy is a Queensland State Government levy. Council acts as a collection agent only.
How are my rates and utilities spent?
We use your rates and utilities to provide and maintain essential services and facilities to the community.
Your rates and utilities help fund Townsville’s:
- roads
- footpaths and walking trails
- streetlights and CCTV
- community services and facilities like:
- libraries
- theatre
- stadiums
- sport and recreation facilities
- public swimming pools
- environmental protection
- water, waste and sewerage services
- major projects and infrastructure
- community events.
Every $100 of your rates collected, is spent as…
- $4.43 for Environment and Sustainability Services
- $5.63 on Planning and Development
- $14.84 for Cultural and Community Services
- $49.76 on Roads and Transport Management
- $4.73 on Drain and Stormwater Management
- $20.61 on Parks and Open Space Management.
Utilities charges are not linked to your land value.
Every $100 of your utilities charges can be broken down into:
- $55.44 for Water Services
- $26.07 for Wastewater Services
- $18.49 on Resource Recovery.
Citylibraries School Holiday Program
Check out the exciting programs and activities at Townsville Citylibraries this December - January School Holidays!
Get Active Sign On
Find a new sport or fitness activity at Council’s free Get Active Sign On event on Sunday 1 February from 9am – 1pm at Townsville Stadium, Murray Sporting Complex.
Battery Amnesty Weekend
Bring your old household items containing embedded batteries to our Household Embedded Battery Amnesty Weekend on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 January 2026.
Australia Day
Reflect. Respect. Celebrate. Join us this Australia Day – Monday 26 January at Jezzine Barracks, The Strand.
Capital Works Program
To keep Townsville growing, Council is actively involved in the delivery of projects to provide vital infrastructure and exciting development opportunities.