Council is proposing changes to its long-standing rating system and is appealing to the community to provide feedback. The community is an integral stakeholder in this process and its feedback will play a critical role in informing future Council decision-making. The aim is to ensure the delivery of fairness and sustainability in its property rating system.
Council understands the current rating system no longer reflects the needs of a growing community and diverse property landscape. This position was informed by a comprehensive review conducted in 2024. Council seeks a system that is equitable and relevant for all ratepayers. The review, which is the focus of this consultation, will not result in additional Council income; rather, it identifies that a change of model may be required.
Through a series of workshops and public consultations, Council critically considered various rating methods, proposed changes and their potential impacts. Findings from these discussions are detailed in a final consultation paper that is available for public review.
Council has considered several key local factors while assessing the current rating system against changes in property valuations and rating categories. These include:
- Shifts in the number of valuations between categories
- The impacts of any proposed changes to certain rating categories
- An equitable approach to the adjustment
- Minimising impacts to particular rate payers whilst making improvements where possible
- Adjustments that meet the future needs of the Rural City of Murray Bridge community
- Differences between townships and rural areas
- High-valued residential properties
- The mix of owner-occupied and investment properties
- Level of discount provided to the primary production sector
- Disparity between commercial and industrial differential rates
- Industry attraction and job creation for a growing community
- Impact of vacant properties in a changing economic environment
During a first phase of consultation in December 2024, Council presented four potential rating models. From the 16 responses received, nine respondents were dissatisfied with the existing system and the majority supported the option to elect for a $750 fixed charge with adjusted differential percentages.
This feedback has resulted in the following proposed change, on which Council is inviting community feedback:
*Changing from the current minimum rate ($1,151) to a fixed charge of $750
*The differential percentage to be set as per the following table. A differential compares the rate in the dollar (RID) for each rating category to the residential RID.
To support the engagement process, two drop-in information sessions will be held at the Local Government Centre located at 2 Seventh Street, Murray Bridge. Ratepayers can meet with Council staff to review their property details and understand the impact of the proposed changes.
Drop-in Information Session Details:
- Tuesday 11 March 2025 between 2pm – 5pm
- Tuesday 18 March 2025 between 9am - 12pm
After-hours sessions are available by appointment only from Monday to Thursday, starting Tuesday 11 March. To schedule an appointment, please call 8539 1100 or email council@murraybridge.sa.gov.au . Community members are encouraged to attend and ask questions during these information sessions.
Community members can provide written feedback on Council’s consultation portal, via email to council@murraybridge.sa.gov.au or by mailing written submissions to:
Chief Executive Officer
Rural City of Murray Bridge
PO Box 421
Murray Bridge SA 5253
Paper copies of the consultation materials are available at the Local Government Centre and the Murray Bridge Library.
The consultation closes on Tuesday 25 March 2025. Following this process, Council will review all feedback before making a final decision, with the possibility of further changes based on community input. If endorsed, it is proposed the changes will be implemented within the 2025/26 financial year.
A Public Council Meeting to hear verbal submissions as part of the consultation process, will be held on Monday 24 March 2025, at 7pm in the Council Chambers, Local Government Centre, 2 Seventh Street, Murray Bridge. Community members are invited to address the Council directly and share their views on the proposed changes to Council’s rating system.