¶ COLLIE Shire Council will explore implementation of a “fairer” rates system.
Under a rating strategy endorsed by council at its April meeting, the establishment of six differential rates across 11 categories is proposed, each applied at a different rate in the dollar.
Rates in Collie are currently determined using a uniform general rate, applying the same rate in the dollar for properties within two valuation types.
The change has been floated as part of council’s development of a draft long-term financial plan, applicable over a minimum period of 10 years, which is a requirement under recent local government legislative changes.
Shire chief executive officer Phil Anastasakis told councillors the strategy will enable planning for the potential rollout of differential rates in future years.
Mr Anastasakis said application of differential rates makes sense for growing regional areas as it recognises a greater variety of land uses.
“It’s actually a fairer method in the long term,” Mr Anastasakis said.
“The benefits would come from having the ability for council to charge appropriate rates to appropriate categories.”
Under the long-term financial plan, a base rate revenue increase of 4.5 percent is projected for the 2025/26 budget.
The plan additionally projects rate rises of 4.5 percent for the 2026/27 financial year through to 2028/29, and 3.5 percent for 2030/31 through to 2033/34.
Mr Anastasakis explained that the projected rises are a targeted revenue increase compared to the previous year. 
“By having a set increase already established as a general guide, it means council, when it starts to look at other areas of expenditure, it knows what its cap is,” Mr Anastasakis said.
“Whether it is above or below that, that will be the final decision when the budget is adopted.
“But the aim is to try and aim for what the revenue increase is.”