Understanding Your Rates and Utilities
Learn more about the rates, levies, discounts and rebates featured in Townsville City Council’s 2024/25 Budget.
General Rates
Townsville City Council's 2024-25 budget reflects Council's commitment to maintaining core services for our ensure community.
In recent years Council had absorbed rising operational costs to ease pressure on residents, which is no longer sustainable. This year ratepayers will see a necessary increase of 5.1% or $3.78 per week, made up of $1.74 rates and $2.04 utilities.
Rate in the Dollar and Minimum General Rate
- The rate in the dollar and minimum general rate for all categories have increased.
Rate Capping, Discounts and Rebates
- Council offers a 5% discount on rates to Category 1 ratepayers who pay their rates by the due date.
- The Pensioner Rates Concession remains one of the most generous in the State providing up to $800 off general rates.
- Not-for-profit organisations continue to receive a full-rate rebate of 100% of general rates and a partial rebate on water charges.
- Not-for-profit sporting organisations continue to receive a partial-rate rebate of 50% of sewerage charges.
- Rate capping continues to be granted at 10% of general rates for all Category 1 properties. This amount remains the same as the previous budget.
Utility Charges
- Ratepayers will see an average increase of about $1.42 per week on their utilities which includes water, waste services and wastewater services. An average increase of 3.4%.
- Water Utility charges have increased by 7.01%. The residential standard plan has increased from $942 to $1,008 per annum. The non-residential fixed access fee has increased from $448 to $480 with consumption charges increasing from $3.52 to $3.77.
- Sewerage Utility Charges have increased by 1.95%. The residential sewerage charge has increased from $822 to $838 per annum per household. The non-residential charge has increased from $964 to $983 per annum per pedestal.
- Residential Waste Utility Charges have increased by 8.7%. A residential Waste/Recycling 240L Wheelie Bin Service has increased from $241to $262. A non-residential Waste 240L Wheelie Bin Service has increased from $327 to $341. Note: non-residential rates have increased by 4%.
- The Local Waste Levy, which applies to categories 1, 2 and 3a-3k for the provision of one hard rubbish collection and access to free green waste disposal, free recyclables and wheelie bin repairs/replacements, has increased from $62 to $65.
Download an example notice
Below is an example Rate & Utilities Notice with explanations for each section.
