2026/27 Differential Rates
The City of Busselton is seeking community feedback on proposed differential rates and minimum payments(External link) for the upcoming financial year.
The City is proposing to increase rates by an average of 7.0 per cent across all differential rating categories, with the exception of holiday home rate categories – renamed to be called Unhosted Short Term Rental Accommodation (USTRA).
For the average residential ratepayer the increase will be an additional $2.98 per week, or $155 per year.
The proposed increases have been informed by economic data relating to service costs (Consumer Price Index, Local Government Cost Index, Wage Price Index etc), and also provide for an additional 1% transfer of rate revenue to the sport and recreation infrastructure reserve – with the total transfer going from 2% to 3% of rate revenue. It is also consistent with the approach outlined in our adopted Long-Term Financial Plan(External link) for the 2026/27 year.
Our focus will be on continuing to provide:
- quality community services
- safe and well-maintained facilities
- improved sporting and recreation infrastructure
Unhosted Short Term Rental Accommodation (USTRA) (previously Holiday Homes)
An increase of 15.8 per cent, as opposed to 7 per cent, is proposed for USTRA Gross Rental Valuation (GRV) and Unimproved Value (UV) (formerly Holiday Home) categories. This increase will improve parity between USTRA and traditional tourism accommodation in the commercial rating category, with the proposed new rate in the dollar for the GRV USTRA equivalent to 90% of the GRV Commercial rate.
In accordance with Section 6.36 of the Local Government Act 1995, the City of Busselton is now inviting public submissions on the proposed 2026-27 differential general rates as set out in the table below.
Differential Rating Category | Rate in the $ | Minimum Payment |
GROSS RENTAL VALUATION PROPERTIES | ||
Residential – Improved & Vacant | $0.073245 | $1,842.00 |
Commercial - Improved & Vacant | $0.122773 | $1,84200 |
Industrial - Improved & Vacant | $0.125880 | $1,842.00 |
Unhosted STRA | $0.110496 | $2,550.00 |
UNIMPROVED VALUATION PROPERTIES | ||
Primary Production | $0.003033 | $1,842.00 |
Commercial | $0.005637 | $1,842.00 |
Rural | $0.002783 | $2,010.00 |
Unhosted STRA | $0.003541 | $2,948.00 |
(**NOTE: Council when adopting the annual budget may vary the above proposed rate in the dollar and minimum payment amounts.)
GRV (Gross Rental Value) is set by the Valuer-General (Landgate) based on the estimated annual rental value of a property.
UV (Unimproved Value) is set by the Valuer-General (Landgate) based on the value of the land only, excluding buildings and improvements.
Have your say
Before we finalise rates for 2026/27, please share your thoughts by completing the submission form below before 4.30pm Friday 3 July 2026.
What happens next
No final decision has been made. Once consultation closes, community feedback will be considered before a report is presented to the Council for a decision at its meeting on Wednesday 29 July 2026.
Questions about completing the submission form or the differential rates process can be directed to the City directly on (08) 9781 0444 or city@busselton.wa.gov.au.
