Council Rates
Council rates are the primary source of income for local government and help Council deliver the services, facilities and infrastructure that support our community every day.
Unlike a fee paid for a specific service, council rates are a property-based tax that allows Council to provide services and maintain community assets for the benefit of everyone.
Each year, Council adopts an Annual Business Plan and Budget that determines the services, projects and infrastructure to be delivered during the coming financial year. The amount of income required from rates is then calculated after taking into account income from grants, fees, charges and other sources.
What do my rates pay for?
Your rates contribute towards a wide range of services and infrastructure across the District Council of Robe, including (but not limited to):
- Maintaining local roads, footpaths and stormwater infrastructure.
- Parks, playgrounds, reserves and public open spaces.
- Lake Butler Marina and Boat Ramp operations.
- Waste collection and recycling services.
- Community Wastewater Management System operations.
- Public health and environmental health services.
- Planning and development assessment.
- Animal management services.
- Community facilities, public amenities and town beautification.
- Library, Visitor Information Centre, community programs and events.
- Long-term renewal and replacement of community assets.
How are my rates calculated?
Each year Council prepares and adopts an Annual Business Plan and Budget following community consultation.
To determine rates, Council:
- Determines the services, projects and infrastructure to be delivered during the year.
- Calculates the total income required to fund those activities.
- Deducts income expected from grants, fees, charges and other revenue sources.
- The remaining amount is the revenue that must be raised through council rates.
- Council then sets a rate in the dollar, which is applied to the capital value of each property.
South Australian councils, including the District Council of Robe, use property capital valuations prepared by the Office of the Valuer-General.
Depending on Council's adopted rating policy, different land uses may be subject to different rating arrangements.
Why do rates change each year?
Rates may increase or decrease from year to year for a range of reasons, including:
- Inflation and increasing costs of delivering services.
- Changes in property capital valuations across the district.
- Renewal and maintenance of ageing infrastructure.
- New projects identified by Council and the community.
- Legislative or regulatory changes.
Council aims to balance maintaining affordable rates with delivering the services, infrastructure and facilities that our community expects, while ensuring the organisation remains financially sustainable.
Rates Information 2026/2027
For the 2026-2027 financial year, the overall increase in general rate revenue is 7.4%, comprising:
- 2.4% from growth in the rating base;
- 3.7% attributable to CPI; and
- an additional 1.3% budget repair increase.
Land Use | Rate in the Dollar (cents) 2026/2027 | Average Rates Per Property 2026/2027 (dollars) | Total Properties 2026/2027 |
Residential | 0.2074 | 1869 | 1548 |
Commercial | 0.2074 | 3088 | 67 |
Industrial | 0.2074 | 1470 | 69 |
Primary Production | 0.2074 | 4618 | 444 |
Vacant Land | 0.2074 | 1166 | 436 |
Other | 0.2074 | 1235 | 24 |
Marina Berth | 0.2074 | 96 | 79 |
Non-Rateable | N/A | N/A | 263 |
Minimum Rate: $953.00
The minimum rate ensures all rateable properties make a reasonable contribution towards the cost of providing Council services and maintaining community infrastructure.The minimum rate does not apply to land consisting of a marina or a marina berth.
Rates are payable in four instalments:
1st Instalment: 14 September 2026
2nd Instalment: 1 December 2026
3rd Instalment: 1 March 2027
4th Instalment: 1 June 2027
Payment before the due date will avoid the application of fines and interest being applied to the property monthly.
Council offers a range of convenient payment options, including:
- eNotices Direct Payment – Pay your rates securely online through the eNotices portal. (Click here to Pay online)
- For more information on the eNotices portal, please view the information below.
- BPAY – Pay using your personal internet or phone banking.(Click here for instructions on setting up BPAY)
- By Phone – Pay by Visa or Mastercard by calling (08) 8768 2003.
- By Post – Send a cheque or money order to:
District Council of Robe
PO Box 1
Robe SA 5276 - In Person – Visit the Council Office at:
3 Royal Circus, Robe SA 5276
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm (excluding public holidays).
Further information on payment options is available on your Rates Notice.
If you are experiencing financial hardship, please contact Council as early as possible.
We understand that circumstances can change and we may be able to assist through appropriate payment arrangements in accordance with our policies and procedures.
If you are unable to meet the scheduled payment dates, Council offers flexible payment arrangements to help you manage your rates. Subject to approval, payment plans can be tailored to your circumstances, including weekly, fortnightly or monthly instalments.
To discuss a payment arrangement, please contact Council's Rates Officer. You can also click here to download and complete the Payment Arrangement Form.
All enquiries are treated confidentially.
Council offers electronic Rates Notices through the eNotices portal by clicking here.
By registering for eNotices you can:
- receive your Rates Notices electronically;
- securely access previous notices;
- manage your delivery preferences; and
- update your contact details online.
If you require assistance registering or managing your eNotices account, please contact Council.
In accordance with Section 153(3) of the Local Government Act 1999, Council applies a Rates Cap to eligible residential properties that are the principal place of residence of the ratepayer.
The Rates Cap limits the increase in general rates for eligible properties to a maximum of 15% compared with the previous financial year.
The Rates Cap does not apply where the increase in rates results from:
- a property valuation increase arising from capital improvements or development (excluding capital improvements valued at $30,000 or less);
- a change of property ownership since 1 July of the previous financial year where the property has been purchased at current market value; or
- a boundary realignment, subdivision or amalgamation that results in the property being treated as a different assessment for valuation purposes (except in certain circumstances prescribed under the Local Government Act 1999).
Check your eligibility and/or complete your application for rates capping here
Rates not paid by the due date shown on your Rates Notice will be considered overdue.
In accordance with the Local Government Act 1999, the following charges will apply to overdue rates:
- A 2% penalty will be applied to the outstanding amount immediately after the due date.
- Interest, at the rate prescribed under the Local Government Act 1999, will then be charged on any outstanding balance (including accrued interest) at the end of each month until the amount is paid in full.
To avoid the accrual of fines and interest, please ensure your rates are paid by the quarterly due date or contact Council before the payment is due to discuss a payment arrangement if you are experiencing financial hardship.
Council provides kerbside waste and recycling collection services to properties within the District Council of Robe.
To fund the collection, disposal and management of domestic waste and recycling, Council applies a Waste Management Service Levy to all serviced properties. This charge is applied separately from general rates as it relates to a specific service provided to individual properties.
2026–2027 Waste Management Service Levy
- Residents of Robe: $429.00
- Residents of Boatswain Point: $230.00
Council operates and maintains a Community Wastewater Management System (CWMS) for properties within the township of Robe.
In accordance with Section 155 of the Local Government Act 1999, Council applies an annual service charge to help meet the operational, maintenance and long-term renewal costs of the system.
The annual charge also includes the desludging of septic tanks on a four-year rolling cycle, undertaken by Council's contractor.
2026–2027 Community Wastewater Management System Charges
- Occupied Property: $697.00
- Unoccupied Property: $560.00
The Regional Landscape Levy is a State Government levy that Council is required to collect on behalf of the Limestone Coast Landscape Board.
Council acts solely as the collection agency and does not retain or determine how these funds are spent. The levy supports the management and protection of the Limestone Coast's natural resources, including water, land, biodiversity and coastal environments.
The levy is applied to all rateable properties and varies depending on the land use classification.
Land use | 2026/2027 Contribution per Property |
Residential, Vacant & Other | $97.45 |
Commercial, Shop, Office | $146.18 |
Industrial | $233.88 |
Primary Production | $428.78 |
Objection to Land Use
The Regional Landscape Levy is calculated based on the land use category assigned to your property.
If you believe your land use category is incorrect, you may lodge a written objection with Council. Your objection should clearly outline the reasons why you believe the land use classification is incorrect.
Council may extend the objection period where there is reasonable cause.
Click here to download the Land Use Objection Form
If you hold a Pensioner Concession Card, Commonwealth Seniors Health Card or another eligible concession card, you may qualify for South Australian Government household concession payments to assist with the cost of council rates and other household expenses.
These concessions are provided by the South Australian Government and, if you are eligible, are generally paid directly into your nominated bank account. They are not applied as a discount to your Council rates.
How to apply
Applications can be completed online via the South Australian Government's concessions website: http://www.sa.gov.au/
Before you apply, you will need:
- Your Centrelink Customer Reference Number (CRN) (if applicable)
- Your bank account details
- Your Council Rates Valuation Number
- Details from your most recent energy bill
- Details from your SA Water bill
- Your Emergency Services Levy (ESL) details
If you require assistance with your application, please contact Rates Officer, Anne O’Loughlin on (08) 8768 2003 or email anne@robe.sa.gov.au.
Eligible holders of a South Australian Seniors Card may apply to postpone payment of the prescribed proportion of their Council rates on their principal place of residence.
Postponed rates remain as a charge against the property and are generally not required to be repaid until the property is sold or otherwise transferred.
If you would like to find out whether you are eligible or discuss the postponement process, please contact Council's Rates Officer.
Property valuations shown on your rates notice are determined by the Valuer-General South Australia, not by Council.
If you believe your property valuation is incorrect, you may lodge an objection with the Valuer-General within 60 days of receiving your first Rates Notice for the financial year.
Please note:
- If you have already received a Rates Notice for the same valuation, the 60-day objection period applies from the date of the first Rates Notice.
- You cannot object to a valuation that has already been considered by the Valuer-General in the current financial year.
Your objection must clearly outline the reasons why you believe the valuation is incorrect.
You can lodge an objection online via the South Australian Government website or by contacting the State Valuation Office.
State Valuation Office
GPO Box 1354, Adelaide 5001
101 Grenfell Street, Adelaide 5000
Phone: 1300 653 345
Email: LSGObjections@sa.gov.au
Important to note: Lodging a valuation objection does not change your obligation to pay your rates by the due date. Any outstanding rates and charges remain payable while your objection is being considered.
If you own or occupy two or more parcels of farmland within the District Council of Robe that operate as a single farming enterprise, you may be eligible to have them recognised as a Single Farm Enterprise.
Eligible properties may only be charged one Regional Landscape Levy, rather than a separate levy for each assessment.
Generally, to be eligible:
- the land must be used primarily for primary production;
- the properties must operate as a single farming enterprise; and
- the properties must be occupied by the same person or persons.
A principal place of residence adjoining the farming enterprise may also qualify in certain circumstances under the Local Government Act 1999.
If you believe you meet the eligibility criteria, please complete the Single Farm Enterprise Application Form and return it to Council.
Email: council@robe.sa.gov.au
Post:
District Council of Robe
PO Box 1
Robe SA 5276
Click here to download the Single Farming Enterprise Application Form
eNotices is a secure online portal that allows you to receive, view and pay your Council Rates Notices electronically. Once you register, your future rates notices will be delivered directly to your nominated email address.
What notices can I access through eNotices?
You can add your District Council of Robe Rates Notices to your eNotices account.
Some Rates Notices are linked automatically after you register, while others may need to be added manually using your unique eNotices Reference Number.
To manually add a Rates Notice, log in to your eNotices account, select the Accounts tab from the Dashboard, and enter your eNotices Reference Number in the Input eNotices Reference Number field.
If you require assistance, please contact Council on (08) 8768 2003 or email council@robe.sa.gov.au.
Where do I find my eNotices Reference Number?
Your unique eNotices Reference Number is printed on your Rates Notice and can be identified by the eNotices "e" logo.
If your Reference Number is not recognised or you experience any issues, please contact Council for assistance.
I didn't receive my email verification link.
Please check your Junk, Spam, Promotions or Updates folders, as your email provider may have filtered the message.
If you still haven't received the verification email, please contact Council on (08) 8768 2003.
I forgot my password.
You can reset your password by selecting Forgot Password on the eNotices login page and following the prompts.
Why has my Rates Notice gone to my junk or spam folder?
Although every effort is made to ensure your Rates Notices are delivered directly to your inbox, some email providers may automatically filter them into folders such as Junk, Spam, Promotions or Updates.
If this occurs, mark the sender as Safe or Not Junk to help ensure future Rates Notices are delivered to your inbox.
Can I stop receiving Rates Notices by email?
Yes. You can change your preferred delivery method at any time.
Log in to your eNotices account, select the Accounts tab, and update your delivery preference to receive your Rates Notices by post instead or contact Council on 08 8768 2003.
How do I update my email address?
Log in to your eNotices account and select the Profile tab.
Enter your new email address and click Save. You will then receive an automated verification email. Follow the prompts in the email to verify your new address and ensure future Rates Notices are delivered correctly.