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Rates & fees

Rates & fees

Rates pay for most council services. In Victoria, the state sets a yearly cap on how much a council can raise its average rates and municipal charge. For 2026–27 the cap is 2.75%; Ararat's adopted budget raises the amount collected from general rates and the municipal charge by 2.25%. The cap applies to the average across all properties, so your own bill can rise or fall by more, depending on how your property's value moved compared with others. Kerbside waste charges aren't capped; for 2026–27 the four-bin charge rises $13 to $483.

New to these terms? Read them in plain English
Pensioner rebate
A discount on rates for eligible pensioners.
See the full explainer, with formulas →

Rates at a glance

2026–27 rate rise
General rates and municipal charge: +2.25% (cap 2.75%)The budget's Fair Go Rates table gives a base average rate of $2,036.37 and a capped average rate of $2,092.37 per rateable property, across 7,505 assessments. The budget lists the council's rises since 2018–19 as 0%, 2.5%, −1%, −1.5%, 0%, 0%, 0%, 1.5% and 2.25%.Budget 2026/2027 (PDF) →
How your rates are calculated
Capital Improved Value × rate in the dollar, plus a $96 municipal charge2026–27 general rates in cents per dollar of CIV (budget §4.1.1(b)): general (residential) 0.3600; commercial and industrial 0.4860; farm 0.1458. Compared with 2025–26 the general, commercial and industrial rates fell 1.2% and the farm rate rose 2.6%. The municipal charge is unchanged at $96. Owners of several farm parcels run as one enterprise can apply to pay the municipal charge once.Calculating rates →
Kerbside waste charges (2026–27)
Four-bin system $483; three-bin system $428 a yearUp from $470 and $417. Extra bins: 140 L garbage $169, 240 L recycling $146, 240 L organics $146, 80 L glass $25 (budget §4.1.1(i)). These charges aren't covered by the rate cap.Waste services →
When it's due
4 instalments: 30 Sep, 30 Nov, 28 Feb, 31 May — or in full by 15 FebTo pay by instalments, the first must be paid by 30 September. Notices are issued in August; contact the council if you haven't received yours by 15 September. Pay online (BPOINT), by BPAY (biller code 26989), direct debit, Centrepay, at any post office, by phone on 03 5355 0200, or at the Municipal Office, 59 Vincent Street. Notices can be emailed via ararat.enotices.com.au.Paying my rates →
Interest on overdue rates
The council doesn't publish its rate; the legal maximum is 10% a yearThe council's Revenue and Rating Plan says interest is charged on overdue rates at up to the maximum set under the Penalty Interest Rates Act 1983 (currently 10% a year), and that it allows a 30-day grace period before interest is applied to late instalments and lump sums. Check your notice.Revenue and Rating Plan (PDF) →
Pensioner concession
50% off council rates, up to $272.70 for 2026–27In the council's words. For holders of a Pensioner Concession Card or a DVA Gold Card (TPI, War Widow, EDA or POW) living at the property; Health Care Cards aren't eligible. Apply at the Municipal Office or by emailing the form with a copy of your card to rates@ararat.vic.gov.au. EDA and POW card holders apply to the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (1800 658 521).Pensioner concessions →
Financial hardship
Payment plans — Rates Office 03 5355 0209Or email rates@ararat.vic.gov.au. Free financial counselling: National Debt Helpline 1800 007 007; Rural Financial Counselling Service 1300 735 578.Rates and valuations →
Also on your notice: ESVF
Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund — a state levyThe council collects it for the Victorian Government; it replaced the Fire Services Property Levy on 1 July 2025 and isn't council revenue or covered by the rate cap. The council states it 'maintains its strong objection to the introduction of the ESVF'. ESVF support line: 1300 819 033.About the ESVF →

The figures above come from the adopted 2026/27 budget (adopted 28 April 2026, section 4.1.1) and the council's Calculating Rates and Paying my Rates pages, which agree. The kerbside page's FAQ still shows older waste charges. Check your own notice for your figures.

Sources — check it yourself

Figures are current as at the dates shown and may change — always confirm with the linked source. See the notice at the bottom of the page for full details and how to report a correction.