603 Certificate And Special Meter Reading

Section 603 of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) lets a person apply to a council for a certificate stating the amount (if any) due or payable to the council by way of rates, charges or otherwise in respect of a parcel of land. Councils describe it as commonly needed when a property is bought or sold, and say it is usually requested by conveyancers, solicitors or buyers before settlement to confirm what is owing on the property. Narrabri Shire Council's form orders a 603 certificate, a special water meter reading, or both, with an additional urgency fee if needed. A special water meter reading is a reading taken outside the council's normal reading cycle. Councils offer it alongside the 603 certificate because the certificate shows amounts owing, not the water used since the last scheduled reading. The council takes planning certificates separately: it says all planning certificates must be submitted through the NSW Planning Portal.

When you need it

• You are buying or selling property in Narrabri Shire and need the rates and charges position before settlement.
• You need a water meter reading outside the normal cycle, for example close to settlement.

1. 1

   Tick the application type

   Tick 603 Certificate, Special Water Meter Reading, or both, and Additional Urgency Fee if you need it faster. The boxes sit under a "Planning Certificate" label, but the options are the 603 certificate and the water reading; the council takes planning certificates through the NSW Planning Portal.

2. 2

   Applicant details

   Give your name or company name, reference (if known), postal address, town and postcode, contact name, telephone and email.

3. 3

   Property details

   Give the lot, section and DP numbers, parish, street number and name, town, postcode, council assessment number and the owner's name.

• Send the form to Narrabri Shire Council by email to council@narrabri.nsw.gov.au, by post to PO Box 261, Narrabri NSW 2390, or at the office at 46-48 Maitland Street, Narrabri.
• The form does not set out payment arrangements. Contact the council on (02) 6799 6866 about paying, and check the current fee in its fees and charges.

• Include the council assessment number from the rates notice: it helps the council find the right property quickly.
• Order the special water meter reading at the same time as the 603 certificate if water usage needs to be adjusted at settlement.