Special Rate and Charge scheme - Why would I be asked to contribute to upgrade infrastructure when I already pay my rates?

The Local Government Act 1989 states that a project of special benefit to a group of property owners can be levied as a special rate or charge.

The City inherits infrastructure from developers to manage. There are a number of areas within our municipality that have not been constructed with kerb and channel, footpaths, drainage, sealed surfaces etc. As such these construction costs were not placed on the land value at the time of sale, as happens today in new developments.

Sealing roads, building new footpaths, kerb and channel, and drains is a costly process.  Your rates already contribute towards funding over 120 services we provide to the community and only a portion can be allocated to new and upgraded infrastructure. 

Our annual capital works budget is prioritised based on the overall benefit to the municipal community. 

We support localised infrastructure works when there is a willingness from the local community to provide financial contributions via our Special Rate and Charge (SRC) scheme process.





Page last updated: Tuesday, 25 March 2025

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