All properties are charged the property surveillance and security charge, which covers a range of programs and services to improve neighbourhood amenity including our Community Safety Service (CSS).
What does the property surveillance and security levy cover?
The levy finances the Community Safety Service (CSS), a highly visible, 24-hour mobile patrol service, acting as extra eyes and ears for the community and police and helping us achieve our shared vision of a Safer Melville.
The Community Safety Service observes, monitors and reports suspicious behaviour to police, conducts holiday watch patrols for residents at no extra costs, and does a lot of behind-the-scenes to help improve the safety and security of your local neighbourhood. They also assist during storms, natural disasters or other community safety issues.
Find out more
Why do I pay for it when I only own vacant land?
The property surveillance and security charge covers a range of programs and services to improve neighbourhood amenity. These include the reporting of graffiti and community development programs for groups such as at-risk youth and the elderly. The aim is to improve overall safety and security, to make Melville a great place to live. This helps to maintain property values for owners.
Vacant land can also be damaged, have material dumped without authorisation, or people may congregate and cause a nuisance. In addition, vacant land may be under construction. The Community Safety Service observes and reports any problems spotted on vacant land or construction sites, which is important as the lot is generally unoccupied.
Houses with pools and spas are charged inspection fees. Houses with decommissioned pools or spas are not charged.
Why am I billed for owning a pool?
The City of Melville is committed to assisting pool owners to keep their pool safe by providing a service that includes inspection and advice on pool safety and the legislative obligations.
If you receive a charge for a pool levy and you dont have a pool (sometimes a pool has been removed), please contact our pools officer.
Will my pool be inspected each year?
The legislative requirement is that each pool is inspected every four years and brought into compliance. The City of Melville strategy is to complete inspections on 25 percent of all pools within the City each year. The annual pool levy charge is equal to one quarter of the cost of providing this service for each home.
Additional inspections, such as when purchasing a property, are available upon request on a fee for service basis.
Please visit our Residential Swimming Pools and Spas page for more information.
The Emergency Services Levy (ESL) funds WA's fire and emergency services, including career fire stations, volunteer fire brigades, State Emergency Service (SES) units, the Volunteer Marine Rescue Service and the multi-purpose Volunteer Emergency Service Units.
This is a levy collected by the City on behalf of Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES). Find out more on the DFES website.