THE Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) asked the City of Wanneroo to change land valuation of its Pinjar property, resulting in a $2000 rates reduction.
The council noted the main use of the Old Yanchep Road property was residential in its October 10 decision, and recommended the change in valuation method from unimproved value to gross rental value to the Local Government Minister.
According to a report to the council, the department sought the change because it was not being used for a rural purpose.
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READ NOW“The property is being used for residential purpose only and therefore should be rated on the gross rental value method,” the report said.
“There is no lease or licence agreement between DWER and either the tenant or the real estate agent for the land to be utilised for agricultural or farming purposes.
“This would be inconsistent with DWER’s policy for the protection of ground water – these premises are located in a priority one drinking water source area.
“The change in the basis of rating to gross rental value as opposed to the unimproved value will result in a reduction in the rates of $2037 generated from this property.”
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