Application for Rates Property Search and Special Water Meter Reading

Gladstone Regional Council's rates search inspects council's rate payment records for the property, gives the last billed water meter reading (if connected) and includes a property report on known flooding conditions. Rates information comes from the land record council must keep (Local Government Regulation 2012 s 154), and matters because overdue rates and charges are a charge on the land (Local Government Act 2009 s 95). The search fee includes a transfer of ownership fee, which the form ties to section 97(2)(b) of the Local Government Act 2009. A special water meter reading gives the current meter reading, which council says is used to work out the water charges payable by the seller and buyer on settlement day. All results are issued by email.

When you need it

• You are buying or selling property in the Gladstone region and need the rates position before settlement.
• You want a current water meter reading taken on a set day so water charges can be apportioned.
• You need either search within 2 business days (urgent).

1. 1

   Applicant and parties

   Give the applicant's name, address, reference, phone and email address, and the purchaser's and vendor's names.

2. 2

   Land details

   Enter the location of the land, the lot and plan number (with a second lot if applicable) and the date of settlement.

3. 3

   Rates search

   Tick a full rates search (5 business days) or an urgent full rates search (2 business days).

4. 4

   Special water meter reading

   Tick a standard reading and write the date to be read, which must be a Tuesday or Thursday at least 2 business days after council receives the request, or an urgent reading (24-hour reply or by arrangement).

5. 5

   Sign and total

   Sign the form, accepting council's terms and conditions, and enter the total payment.

• Registered online users can lodge and pay for rates search and special water meter reading certificates through council's Online Services; council publishes a step-by-step guide.
• Otherwise, send the form to Gladstone Regional Council, PO Box 29, Gladstone QLD 4680, or contact council on (07) 4970 0700 or info@gladstone.qld.gov.au. Results are issued by email.
• A full rates search takes 5 business days and an urgent one 2 business days.
• Fees are on the form. A cancellation cost of 10 percent of the fee applies to cancelled rates searches.

• If the transfer does not go ahead, you can ask in writing for a refund of the transfer of ownership fee component.
• No refund is given where the property has no metered water connection. Phone council first to confirm there is one.
• The rates search does not include a quote for future rates or a current meter reading, so order the special meter reading as well if you need one.
• Building, planning and trade waste searches use council's other search request forms.