EXPLAINER: Townsville City Council to drop its rate-to-dollar charge

For the first time in ten years, Townsville City Council will drop its Rate in the Dollar charge. See what this means for your hip-pocket, and why only some will see cheaper rates. EXPLAINER.

In Queensland, council rates are calaculated by multiply a property’s land value (set by the state government) by a council’s rate in the dollar (RID) charge.

For the first time in ten years, Townsville City Council will reduce its Rate in the Dollar (RID) charge as part of a move to soften cost-of-living strains.

By reducig the RID charge, Townville City Council are hoping to soften the rates shock residents are about to get when new land values are applied to rates on June 30.

On average, Townsville land is expected to go up 27 per cent in value when the new figures come into play.

Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney said her Council has committed to lowering the RID charge by 18 per cent to help ease cost-of-living pressure.

Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney. Picture: Supplied

“If we had simply adjusted the RID in line with CPI, as many councils do, we would be looking at an average rate increase of around 22 per cent citywide,” Cr Greaney said.

“That’s simply not something we’re prepared to ask of our community.”

The 18 per cent reduction in Townsville’s RID means some people with land that grew in value by more than 18 per cent will still see a rise in their rates - while those whose land only slightly increased could possibly experience a reduction in their rates.

In March 2025 new land values were released for Townsville. These new values will come into play on June 30 and appear in the August rates bill.

How it works:

In Queensland, general rates are calculated by multiplying a property’s land valuation (as decided by the state government) by a council’s set RID.

In March, the Queensland Government’s Valuer-General issued new land valuations across North Queensland, increasing the value of Townsville land by an average of 27 per cent.

These new land values will come into force on June 30, and show up for the first time in the August rates bill.

The last time Townsville saw an official land value increase was in 2022.

The Valuer-General calculates land values by comparing recent sales in an area, property market trends, zoning, and land use.

Utilities like water and rubbish collection are not included in this calculation, neither is the fire and rescue levy.

A typical Idalia home. This specific home saw its land value jump from $245,000 to $270,000 - a $25,000 jump or 10 per cent increase. This means the property will see a drop in rates.

Acting Mayor Greaney said she understood families and businesses were doing it tough in today’s economy.

“Councillors and Council officers have spent the last six months working closely to shape a financially responsible 2025/26 Budget and Operational Plan,” she said.

“We’ve scrutinised every part of the budget to find savings and efficiencies. We’re committed to maintaining core services, driving sustainable innovation, and investing in the people and places that make Townsville great, all while improving Council’s financial position and easing pressure on ratepayers.”

According to Townsville City Council, for every $100 of your rate money collected, $38.22 goes to roads, $25.76 to parks, $18.58 to community services, $6.07 to drain and stormwater management and $5.08 to environment services.

Rough guide (values can change street by street)

Alice River +$85,000

Aitkenvale +$40,000

Currajong +$55,000

Garbutt +$50,000

West End +$80,000

Castle Hill +$195,000

This Townsville City mansion located directly behind Flinders St, saw its land valuation increase from $990,000 to $1.15 million - a $160,000 or approximately 16 per cent increase, which means they should experience a slight rates decrease.

Pallarenda +$140,000

North Ward +$100,000

Railway Estate +$30,000

Idalia +$23,000

Elliot Springs +$20,000

Oak Valley +$50,000

Wulguru +$25,000

Annandale +$45,000

Douglas +$20,000

Kelso +$30,000

Rasmussen +$40,000

Kirwan +$50,000

This Kirwan home saw its land value rise from $180,000 to $225,000 - a 25 per cent or $45,000 increase. Homeowners on this street can expect a rise in rates. Picture: realestate.com.au

Mount Louisa +$40,000

Bushland Beach +$40,000

Burdell +$20,000

Mount Low +$70,000

Jensen +$50,000

Deeragun +$30,000

Black River +$33,000

Bluewater +$40,000

Toomulla +$20,000

Magnetic Island +$56,000

Exact addresses can be searched on the State Government website to confirm how much land valuation for a certain block has increased by.

Originally published as EXPLAINER: Townsville City Council to drop its rate-to-dollar charge