State Government land revaluations released this month will mean changes to Council rates across the Wollongong Local Government Area (LGA) from July 2011, with some ratepayers to receive a decrease and others to pay more.

The NSW Valuer General carries out a reassessment of land value every three years, and these valuations form the basis upon which NSW Councils calculate property rates. The valuations released this month will determine property rates for the next three years.

Council’s General Manager (Acting), Peter Kofod, said that the movement in rates for 2011 would be less dramatic than in previous years.

“While Council’s total rate income does not change with the revaluation, there will be a redistribution of the amount each ratepayer has to pay, based on the value of their property compared to values across the city as a whole,” said Mr Kofod.

“Within any one suburb there may be substantial variations between rates payable on properties as a result of the latest valuations.”

“While there has been some movement in valuation trends, there will be increases and decreases across both northern and southern suburbs throughout the LGA,” Mr Kofod said.

Land valuations were last conducted in 2008. Landowners who are not satisfied with their revaluations have the opportunity to lodge an objection with the NSW Land and Property Management Authority within 60 days of issue of the Notice of Valuation.

Mr Kofod reminded residents that Council offered a $250 rates rebate for pensioners, and has a safety net in place to assist ratepayers who incur an increase in their rates which would cause them substantial financial hardship

For more information, contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on 4227 7111 or visit Council’s website www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au.