BASIS FOR RATES AND CHARGES

The Board is a Category 2 Water Authority, under the Queensland Water Act 2000. In accordance to the Water Act 2000 Section 572, parts (2), (4), (5);
‘A category 2 water authority ... may make levy charges on its customers or ratepayers if the authority has an authority area.'

‘A rate may be made and levied on a volumetric basis for water activities carried out ... and if the authority has an authority area, on a property basis for land in the authority area.'

INTEREST ON OVERDUE RATES AND CHARGES

Water Act 2000 Section 574 (1) states;
‘An overdue rate or charge made or levied by a water authority under section 572 bears interest at the annual rate ... of not more than 15%, calculated as simple interest, or if another percentage is prescribed under a regulation-the other percentage.'
For the 06/07 year 10% interest applies to accounts overdue by 60 days or greater.

AREA BASED CHARGE

Basis for Charges

* Cane: to be charged on the base of assessable area, unless grower can satisfactorily prove that no crop of any kind was grown on that land at any time during the financial year.
* Other Crops: to be charged on area of crop grown.

Rate per Hectare (GST Free)
For the 06/07 year the full area rate is set at $102 per hectare.

* Cane: the rate is set on a 2/3rds - 1/3rd basis with CSR. For 06/07 the grower rate is $68/ha and the miller rate is $34/ha.
* Other Crops: for 06/07 the rate is $102/ha.

IRRIGATION CHARGES

Open Water-Flow Meters (GST Free)
For all open water users in 09/10 the charge is $5.50 per megalitre (Ml). This rate is reviewed on an annual basis.

Open Water Licence Fees (Incl. GST)
For 06/07 up to and including a 6"pump = $2,200.00
For 06/07 the fee for an 8"pump = $4,400.00.

OVER ALLOCATION (EXCESS) USAGE

An announced allocation, which is to be the trigger point for charging, is to be made in February of each year, prior to budget. For 06/07 this figure is to be 8 megalitres per hectare.

Open Water-Channel (GST Free)
Usage over and above the 8Ml/ha allocation will be subject to an excess charge of $13.97 per megalitre. This charge will be in addition to the channel charge of $5.50/Ml for usage up to 8Ml per hectare.

Open Water-Riparian
There is no charge for usage up to the 8Ml/ha announced allocation. Usage above this allocation (i.e. excess) will be subject to an excess charge of $13.97 per megalitre.

Assumed Usage-Flow Meters (GST Free)
For 06/07 assumed usage is calculated at 1.5 megalitres per hectare for a two-month pumping cycle.

Klondyke Lilliesmere Scheme (GST Free)
For the 09/10 year the charge for this scheme is $9.50 per megalitre, calculated at $4.00/Ml + $5.50/Ml (base rate).

DOMESTIC AND INDUSTRIAL

Burdekin Shire Council urban water usage is calculated annually and charged accordingly at the end of the financial year, on receipt of Council's metered bore readings.

For 06/07 the Burdekin Shire Council's allocation is to be 5,000 megalitres; with an annual fixed charge of $10.64 per megalitre (GST free) for usage up to and including the 5,000 Ml.

OVER ALLOCATION (EXCESS) USAGE

For usage in excess of the 5,000 Ml/annum, the charge is to include components towards headworks upgrading and purchase of allocation as follows;

Headworks upgrading = $7.80/Ml

Purchase of allocation = $29.65/Ml

Annual Fixed Charge = $10.64/Ml

Total = $48.09/Ml

NON COMMERCIAL ENTITIES

For 06/07, this charge includes a one off licence fee of $110 (incl. GST) and an annual usage charge of $300. Each application is to be considered on its merits.

RITA ISLAND STOCK & GARDEN SUPPLY

One off licence fee = $ 500 (GST incl.)
Annual usage charge = $300 (subject to indexation)
One off licence fee for users not pumping out of the pipeline = $110 (GST incl.)
Annual usage charge = $300 (as above).
Pump size is restricted to 1".

EQUIPMENT HIRE (Incl. GST)

Flat Rate Ratepayers (10% disc)

Excavator $99.00/hr $89.10/hr

Tractor $11.00/hr $9.90/hr

Truck $60.50/hr $54.45/hr

All hire work is charged for one shift at $140/hr on top of hire charge.

OTHER CHARGES (Incl. GST)

Photocopying Charges
Size A4 Black & white = $0.50c per copy
Colour = $0.80c per copy

Size A3 Black & White = $1.00 per copy
Colour = $1.60 per copy

Freedom Of Information (FOI)
Administration charge of $5.50 per 15 mins for each request .

Survey Requests
$500.00 minimum rate. Contract hourly rate applies for larger jobs.

Solicitor Search
$55.00 per title search.