CITY of Swan’s proposed Rates and Revenue Plan 2025-2026 has stirred up significant controversy, with deputations at the December 3 agenda forum highlighting concerns over fairness and transparency over changes in certain properties’ rate payments.

As reported in Concern about Swan Valley rate proposal, approximately 3997 out of 70,000 properties are rated based on the unimproved value (UV) method for land used for rural purposes.

The plan identified 413 properties under UV classification that were predominately residential and no longer fit the rural use criteria, arguing for reclassification as gross rental value (GRV).

The city maintains that the proposed 2025-2026 plan aims at addressing rating inequities where properties with similar characteristics and land use are rated under different methods, leading to significantly different annual rate charges.

Some Swan Valley residents are concerned they could face an average price increase of approximately $860 if they are required to switch from the UV valuation method to GRV.

Of the 413 properties, approximately 58 per cent are expected to pay more on the GRV method, while 42 per cent will likely pay lower annual rates.

Gidgegannup Progress Association chairperson Sally Block said alternative rating systems should be explored as the current system is clearly failing.

“It is clear the current system isn’t working. There needs to be equity so neighbours are not rated in different categories,” she said.

“The solution is quite easy. Revert to rating land on its zoning, then everyone knows where they are.

“This could be as easy as creating a new rating category with a rural living emphasis.

“The criteria for being rated UV is unrealistic in this day and age, very few people can make a livelihood from rural properties.

“Rural land owners do have a great many duties to be carried out as opposed to the urban land owners such as weed control, fire brakes and mitigation of fuel load.”

The officers’ report recommends council send land use declaration notices to the 413 affected property owners to open up a dialogue.

Residents, however have voiced sharp opposition, arguing that council should not proceed with the action based on a draft plan that has yet to receive official council approval.

Swan resident Karen Mowat was a prominent voice of opposition, arguing council should delay the notices, until such time as the draft rates and revenue plan receives official endorsement.

“I note with interest that the (officers) recommendation for this item does not request council to endorse or approve the draft rates and revenues plan,” she said.

“But point three of the recommendation to take action for 413 (notices) to be sent out is based on information contained in the draft plan.

“Should council be taking any action based on information contained in the draft plan until such time as the policy and plan have both been endorsed?

“I hope council will amend the recommendation in the agenda… to remove point three until such time as both the rates and revenue policy and plan have been endorsed by council.”

The city’s timeline notes that valuation changes are unlikely to be implemented until mid-2026.