The City of Mount Gambier elected body has endorsed a comprehensive Review of the Basis of Rating, confirming changes to Council's rating structure aimed at improving fairness, equity and transparency for ratepayers.
As part of the review, Council undertook extensive community consultation and independent analysis, which included eight Council briefing sessions and workshops during the past 18 months.
The review, the first undertaken in more than 20 years, considered demographic change, evolving land uses and community feedback to ensure the rating system remains relevant, equitable and aligned with contemporary principles of taxation.
City of Mount Gambier CEO Paul Simpson said the decision followed robust conversation in the Chamber and considered what Council heard during consultation with the community.
"Council's elected body and administration considered all the feedback from the community that included short stay rental properties, primary production, residential ratepayers and general commentary," Mr Simpson said.
"We received a tremendous amount of valuable feedback and the debate in the Chamber was well considered, respectful and reflective of the important decisions to be taken. This was exactly the type of approach that should occur in a high functioning chamber and is a great example of good quality democratic processes."
The CEO emphasised that the rating review is not about increasing revenue, but about reviewing how much each category contributes to the overall rates collected.
"It is also important for the ratepayers of our community to understand that this review does not result in Council raising any more money, it is simply the distribution each land use category contributes to the total. I often see confusion in the community about this and I can categorically say this does not result in higher rate revenue for Council."
One of the key items of consideration was whether properties used for short stay accommodation should be reclassified to a Commercial category. After reviewing public feedback and updated modelling, Council deliberations, and ultimately the resolution, determined that SSRA properties would continue to be rated as Residential.
Mayor Lynette Martin said the process was detailed and comprehensive.
"This was a thorough consultation, and we took our time listening to the community. We heard a wide range of views, reflected on that feedback through multiple workshops, and it directly influenced aspects of the final outcome. The review wasn't rushed, it was shaped by listening to our community along the way," she said.
"This is one of the best and most comprehensive consultation processes in my time at Council. I am proud of our processes and the openness to debate that resulted in this rating review being finalised."
Following independent advice, modelling and public consultation, Council endorsed the following changes, to be phased in over five years from 1 July 2026:
- Reduction in the fixed charge from 38 per cent to 34 per cent of general rate revenue, proportionately benefitting lower‑value properties while maintaining a stable revenue base.
- Phased reduction of Commercial and Industrial differential rates from 270 per cent to 200 per cent.
- Phased increase of the Primary Production differential rate from 100 per cent to 250 per cent, improving alignment with vacant land and to encourage development.
- Reduction of the Vacant Land differential rate to 250 per cent from 1 July 2026.
- Primary Production properties that include a principal place of residence will be rated as Residential from 1 July 2026, recognising predominant land use.
Public consultation was conducted from October to November 2025 and included online engagement via Council's Have Your Say platform, written submissions, targeted correspondence to affected ratepayers and a Special Council Meeting which heard verbal submissions from the community.
The Review of the Basis of Rating Paper and updated Rating Policies will now be finalised and published on Council's website. Targeted correspondence will be issued to affected ratepayers, including Primary Production and SSRA ratepayers.
Implementation of the revised rating structure will be phased over five years to allow time for adjustment.
