Rebates, Remissions and Assistance

Rate Remission Policy

As part of the Annual Business Plan, Council has adopted the Rate Remission Policy. This policy is in addition to all other rebates available on Council Rates and applies to some pension concession holders and self-funded retirees (eligibility criteria apply).

For the 2025/26 financial year, Council will remit a fixed amount of $55 per annum of general rates, $25 per annum of the effluent drainage charge (Community Wastewater Management System - CWMS) and $25 per annum of the waste management service charge.

Rate Remission - Primary Production Properties

As part of the Annual Business Plan, Council has adopted the Rate Remission Policy. This policy is in addition to all other rebates available on Council Rates and applies to eligible primary production properties (eligibility criteria apply).

For the 2025/26 financial year, Council will remit a fixed amount of $200 per annum of general rates. If you wish to apply for a remission, please click on the link below and read through the policy itself and then complete the application form. Please present the completed application form, along with a valid Concession Card or relevant documentation to the Barmera Office, Barwell Avenue, Barmera, or the Berri Office, 5 Riverview Drive, Berri.

Council Rate Remission Policy

Rate Remission Application Form

State Government Cost of Living Concession

The State Government's Cost of Living Concession (COLC) is a yearly payment to help tenants and homeowners on low or fixed incomes with their general living expenses such as council rates, energy and medical bills.

You don't need to reapply if you received a COLC payment before and your living and income circumstances haven't changed. This concession is paid between August and December each year by electronic funds transfer.

You must apply by 31 December to receive the COLC for that financial year. For more information, or to apply, visit the website.

Rate Capping Rebate

For the 2025/2026 financial year Council have applied a rate capping rebate to all eligible properties.

Where a ratepayer is levied an increase in general rates greater than 12% a rate cap will be applied to ensure no ratepayer will pay any more than 12 per cent on the previous years general rates for differential rating categories Residential, Commercial - (Shop, Office, Other), Industry - (Light, Other), Primary Production and Other (Vacant land is excluded).

Rate Capping Rebate Policy

Financial Hardship

The local Government Act permits the Council, on the application of the ratepayer, to partially remit or to postpone rates on the basis of hardship. Where a ratepayer is suffering hardship in paying rates it is recommended to contact the Rates Officer on (08) 8582 1922 to discuss options.

Financial Hardship Policy

Hardship Application

Objections

Property Valuations

If you do not agree with your property valuation, you may object to the valuation. If you wish to object, you must lodge it in writing to the State Valuer General’s office within 60 days of service of the 1^st quarter rate notice. You must state your grounds for objection and include information to support your application.

For more information on how to object to a property valuation and where to access application forms please visit the Office of the Valuer General.

If your objection is upheld, the Valuer General will notify Council and your rates will be adjusted accordingly.
Please note that you must continue to pay your rates as they fall due whilst your application for objection is being assessed.

Land Use

The Land Use of your property is set based on the predominant use of your property. If your property has multiple uses, your land use will be set as the use that is most predominant. If you believe your land use is incorrect, you may object directly to Council within 60 days of service of the 1^st quarter rate notice. To object, please contact Council on 8582 1922.