The City of Gosnells has adopted a new policy to guide when properties will be revalued and rating categories changed, a move that could affect how much landowners pay in rates.
Mayor Teressa Lynes said the change would make sure landowners were paying the correct rates based on the current use and value of their land.
“Under the new policy, the city will request Landgate to issue a new valuation for a property if the property use has changed, such as from rural to a commercial use, or if a landowner receives approval to develop the land,” she said.
“In most cases, a change in land use will increase the property’s rental value, which will in turn affect the rates payable. At the same time, the city will review whether the property’s rating category remains appropriate.”
As part of the debate, councillors also unanimously backed an amendment from Mayor Lynes to prioritise tree planting in Kenwick.
She said zoning changes in the area had shifted several properties from general rural to industrial, which was expected to increase rate revenue.
“Council believes it is important that a portion of this revenue is reinvested into the local community,” she said.
“A key focus will be improving amenity and increasing tree canopy cover in the residential areas of Kenwick. This will help enhance the suburb’s liveability, contribute to environmental sustainability, and support the health and wellbeing of residents.”
The council identified Austin Avenue as the highest priority for new tree planting, with funding to be drawn from the Maddington Kenwick Revitalisation Reserve.
