What are Council rates used for?

Council rates are essential for maintaining a vibrant, clean, and safe community. The rates paid by residents and businesses are Council’s primary source of revenue.

Each year, Council makes important decisions about how to allocate ratepayer funds to the vast range of programs and services provided to the community, including:

  • maintaining infrastructure such as roads, footpaths, parks and gardens, sports grounds, and swimming centres
  • administering town planning and building legislation, dog and cat control processes and food safety regulation
  • performing environmental management functions, including providing waste management services, coastal protection, and land care
  • developing and implementing strategies to create employment, promote regional tourism, and attract local events and other business activities; and
  • supporting community connection and wellbeing by providing library services, public health services, community support services, and disaster management and response.
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