About your rates

Rates calculations

Each property in the Cessnock local government area (LGA) falls into one of seven categories for rating purposes, depending on the actual land use of the property. These categories are:

  • Residential
  • Residential Rural
  • Farmland*
  • Farmland Mixed Use*
  • Farmland Business Rural*
  • Business
  • Mining

*A Farmland Rating Application Form must be completed for a property to be categorised as Farmland for rating purposes.

In the Cessnock LGA, the property rates for each category are calculated on:

  • A base amount (a flat charge common to all properties)
  • An ad valorem component (an amount calculated on the current land value of your property)

The following charges apply for the 2024/2025 calendar year

Rate
Category

Rate
Sub Category

Ad-Valorem Amount
(Cents in $)

Base Amount
($)

Residential

-

0.243271

430.00

Residential

Rural

0.181764

430.00

Farmland

-

0.143026

430.00

Farmland

Mixed Use

0.379112

535.00

Farmland

Business Rural

0.372754

535.00

Business

-

1.122966

535.00

Mining

-

4.503185

1,500.00


Other charges may be included in calculations where applicable, such as Waste Charge, Hunter Catchment Contribution, Stormwater Management Service Charge and/or Operation Sewage System Renewal. 


Other fees and charges

The Fees and Charges document outlines the fees to be charged for the provision of services, including all user pay services such as swimming centre fees, parks and recreation fees and building and development fees.

For more information, read the Council Fees and Charges document.


Land valuations

The Valuer General is responsible for overseeing land valuations in New South Wales, including property valuations, on behalf of the State Government. 

Please visit the NSW Valuer General website for more information about land valuations.

Enquiries regarding land values

Landowners who wish to lodge an objection to their land value should contact the Valuer General to arrange for the necessary paperwork to be issued to them.