Mareeba Shire Council Rates Explained
Everything you need to know about council rates in Mareeba Shire - from how they're calculated to payment options and available discounts.
How Are Rates Calculated?
Council rates in Mareeba Shire are calculated using a simple formula based on your property's valuation and category:
Rates Formula:
Rate in Dollar × Land Valuation = Your Rates
Plus any applicable levies and charges
Land Valuation
Your property's land value is determined by the Queensland Valuer-General and appears on your rates notice. Valuations are updated periodically to reflect market conditions.
Rate in Dollar
This is the amount charged per dollar of your property's valuation. The rate varies by property category (Residential, Rural, Commercial, etc.) and is set annually by Council.
Example Calculation
- Property Valuation: $250,000
- Rate in Dollar: 0.00650 (Residential)
- General Rates: $250,000 × 0.00650 = $1,625
- Plus Other Charges: Waste levy, infrastructure charges, etc.
- Total Annual Rates: Approximately $1,800-$2,000
Rate Categories
Mareeba Shire Council uses different rating categories based on how your property is used. Each category has a different rate in dollar.
Residential
Properties used primarily for residential purposes, including houses, units, and townhouses within urban areas.
Typical Rate in Dollar:
0.0060 - 0.0070
Rural
Properties outside urban areas used for rural residential, farming, grazing, or agricultural purposes.
Typical Rate in Dollar:
0.0040 - 0.0055
Commercial
Properties used for business, retail, office, industrial, or other commercial activities.
Typical Rate in Dollar:
0.0080 - 0.0095
Note: Actual rates in dollar vary annually and may differ from the examples shown. Check your rates notice for your specific rate in dollar, or contact Council for current rates.
Payment Options
Mareeba Shire Council offers multiple convenient ways to pay your rates:
BPay
Pay online or via phone banking using your BPay biller code and reference number (found on your rates notice).
Processing time: 1-2 business days
Direct Debit
Set up automatic payments from your bank account. Available for full payment or instalments.
Setup: Council office or online form
Australia Post
Pay in person at any Australia Post office using your rates notice. Cash, cheque, or card accepted.
No online service fee
FlexiPay (Instalments)
Spread your rates over regular fortnightly or monthly instalments throughout the year.
Apply at Council office
Other Payment Methods:
- ✓In Person: Mareeba Shire Council office, 65 Rankin Street, Mareeba
- ✓Mail: Cheques payable to Mareeba Shire Council, PO Box 154, Mareeba QLD 4880
- ✓Credit Card: Online or by phone (service fee applies)
Important Dates
Rate Notices Issued
Rate notices are typically issued twice per year, with payment due dates clearly marked on your notice.
Notice 1: Late August (Due: Late October)
Notice 2: Late February (Due: Late April)
Late Payment
Interest charges apply to overdue rates. If you're having difficulty paying, contact Council immediately to discuss payment arrangements.
Persistent non-payment may result in debt recovery action, including property sale.
Discounts & Concessions
Mareeba Shire Council offers several ways to reduce your rates bill:
Prompt Payment Discount (~10%)
Pay your rates in full by the due date and receive approximately 10% discount. This is one of the most generous prompt payment discounts in Queensland.
Example Savings:
- Annual rates: $2,000 → Save ~$200 if paid on time
- Annual rates: $1,500 → Save ~$150 if paid on time
Pensioner Concessions
Eligible pensioners and seniors can receive up to $200 rebate per year through the Queensland Government Pensioner Rate Subsidy Scheme.
Eligibility:
- Hold a valid Pensioner Concession Card or DVA Gold Card
- Property is your principal place of residence
- You are the ratepayer named on the rates notice
Apply at Council office with your concession card.
Home Assist Secure Rebate
Seniors and people with disabilities may be eligible for additional concessions on rates and utility charges.
Contact Council or visit the Queensland Government website for eligibility criteria.
What Do Rates Fund?
Your council rates contribute to a wide range of services and infrastructure across Mareeba Shire:
Roads & Transport
Road construction, maintenance, street lighting, footpaths
Waste Services
Kerbside collection, transfer stations, recycling programs
Parks & Recreation
Parks, playgrounds, swimming pools, sports facilities
Community Facilities
Libraries, community halls, public amenities
Planning & Development
Development assessment, building control, town planning
Environmental Health
Food safety, pest control, water quality monitoring
How to Object to a Valuation
If you believe your property's valuation is incorrect, you can lodge an objection with the Queensland Valuer-General.
Important:
Objections must be lodged within 60 days of receiving your rates notice. You must continue to pay rates while your objection is being considered.
Step 1: Gather Evidence
Collect comparable property sales, photos, property condition reports, and any other evidence supporting your claim that the valuation is too high.
Step 2: Lodge Your Objection
Submit your objection to the Valuer-General via:
- Online: Queensland Government website
- Mail: Office of the Valuer-General
- Council can provide objection forms
Step 3: Assessment
The Valuer-General will review your objection and evidence. This process typically takes 60-90 days. You'll receive a written decision.
Step 4: Further Action
If your objection is successful, your rates will be adjusted. If unsuccessful and you still disagree, you can appeal to the Land Court.
Need Help with Your Rates?
Contact Council
Phone: (07) 4086 9700
Email: [email protected]
Address: 65 Rankin Street, Mareeba
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm
Financial Hardship: If you're experiencing difficulty paying your rates, contact Council as soon as possible to discuss payment arrangements or hardship provisions.