Blue Mountains News

Council is calling on the Valuer General to either maintain current levels, or subsidise rate increases so land revaluations don’t impact ratepayers.

Blue Mountains Mayor, Cr Mark Greenhill said: “With the years of ongoing natural disasters endured by our community, coupled with interest rate rises and dramatic rises in the cost of living, we recognise what an exceptionally challenging time it is for many households.

“That is why Council is calling for current rate levels as per the last assessment to be maintained, or rate increases subsidised.”

New land values are set every three years by the Valuer General NSW and these are given to all NSW Councils, which is then legally required to be used to calculate rates.

The new land valuations set in 2022 will take effect for rating purposes from 1 July 2023. This will lead to approximately a quarter of landowners in the Blue Mountains receiving rate increases, as a result of increases in the value of their land.

The Valuer General NSW will send valuation notices to landowners between now and the end of May 2023 and residents will have 60 days from Valuer General issue date, to lodge an objection to their land valuations.

Mayor Greenhill said: “To be clear, changes in land values are not a Council decision.

“Council does not receive any extra revenue as a result of these increases.  The amount we get  remains the same.  No extra revenue comes to Council.

“That is because the amount taken must balance out. So, if some go up, others go down to ensure the revenue to Council does not change.

“Also, the amount received from rates only covers about half the cost of running the City and for the rest, we rely on grants.

“While individual rates may go up and down according to the Valuer General’s assessment, the overall amount of rates that Council receives can only increase by the rate peg set by the Independent Pricing and Regularly Tribunal (IPART).

“In normal times, the money Council receives via rates is not enough and in these extraordinary times it certainly isn’t going to cover the damage bill the City has, after multiple natural disasters.

“That is why we will introduce paid parking for visitors only, in the Blue Mountains from July.  The majority of residents and community surveyed recently indicated their support of visitor paid parking in key locations. That is so visitors can help fund the critically-required renewal of infrastructure including roads, services and facilities.

‘If you think your land is not worth what the Valuer General says it’s worth, then challenge it.”

Information on how to lodge an objection to a land valuation is available at: here

Further information on Council rates and charges can be found at: here