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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. For 2026–27 the cap is 2.75%, and Baw Baw's budget raises average rates by that much; the council didn't apply for a higher cap. The cap applies to the average across all properties, so your own bill can rise or fall by more, depending on your property's value compared with others in the same rating category. The waste charge isn't capped: for 2026–27 it rises from $554 to $580.

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
Average rates +2.75% (the state cap)The budget's capped average rate is $2,278 per property, up from a base average of $2,217 (budget section 4.1.1(l)). There is no municipal charge.
How your rates are calculated
Capital Improved Value × rate in the dollar2026–27 rates in the dollar: general/residential 0.00271365; commercial and industrial 0.00352775 (130% of the general rate); farm 0.00217092 (80%). The council's example: a house valued at the median of $768,194 pays $2,084.61 in general rates, before the waste charge and the ESVF. Recreational land is rated at the general rate and rebated (75% in 2026–27, down from 100%).About your rates →
Waste charge (2026–27)
$580 a year for a household — covers all four binsUp $26 (4.69%) from $554. The council sets it on a full cost-recovery basis and has chosen not to follow the Local Government Minister's non-mandatory guidelines on waste charges. Extra bins: general rubbish $100, mixed recycling $75, FOGO $120, glass $45 a year. Tanjil Bren and Walhalla have their own garbage charges ($180 and $280). Waste charges aren't covered by the rate cap.Waste charges →
When it's due
4 instalments: 30 Sep 2026, 30 Nov 2026, 28 Feb 2027, 31 May 2027Direct debit (fortnightly, monthly or per instalment), payment plans (weekly, fortnightly or monthly), online and at post offices. Payment plans must be renewed each year when rates are issued in August.Paying your rates →
Interest on overdue rates
10% a yearThe council's page says interest is charged at 10 per cent a year on amounts not paid by their due date, from the date the instalment was due. No interest is charged while an approved payment plan is in place.
Pensioner concession
Concession on rates for your main residenceFor holders of a Pensioner Concession Card (Centrelink or DVA) or a DVA Gold Card (TPI or War Widow); the card address must match the property. The council's page doesn't state the amount; the concession is a Victorian Government scheme. The 2026–27 budget continues phasing out the council's own additional pensioner rebate.Rates concessions →
Financial hardship
Payment plans and Hardship AgreementsUnder a Hardship Agreement, rates, charges and penalty interest are deferred for 12 months and debt recovery is put on hold. Phone 5624 2411.Apply for hardship →
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 from 1 July 2025. It isn't council revenue and isn't covered by the rate cap.About the ESVF →

The figures above come from the adopted Annual Budget 2026/27 (section 4.1.1) and the council's rates and waste pages. 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.