Rates

Local governments provide essential services including roads, water, sewerage, rubbish collection and maintaining parks and public open spaces

Rates and charges are the major source of Council's revenue.  The amount of rates and charges you pay is made up mainly of the general rate, and utility charges.  The general rate is based on valuations calculated by the government's department of Natural Resources and Water and is subject to a minimum rate set by Council each financial year.

As a very general guidline, for 2008, rates were around $400 per quarter.  This includes water and as such is dependant on the amount of water that your household consumes.

Water

Depending on where you decide to live, water will play a big role for you.  Acreage properties generally do not have municipal water and almost always have septic tanks.  Many areas of Australia are under strict water restrictions and breaking them incur fines.

Listed below are a few links to government websites on water levels and restrictions