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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 the council's budget raises the average of general rates and the municipal charge by that much. The cap applies to the average across all properties, so your own bill can rise or fall by more. It moves with your property's value compared with everyone else's, the waste charge (not capped) and the state levy printed on the same notice.

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 rate +2.75%General rates and the municipal charge averaged per rateable property: from a base of $2,195 to $2,255.75 (Budget §4.1.1(l)). This equals the 2.75% cap set by the Minister for Local Government under the Fair Go Rates System run by the Essential Services Commission.
How your rates are calculated
Capital Improved Value × 0.504632 cents in the dollar (residential)For example, a home valued at $300,000 pays about $1,514 in general rates, before the municipal charge, the waste charge and the state levy (our arithmetic from the council's rate). Farming land pays 0.232131 cents and commercial and industrial land 0.583496 cents in the dollar; the farm rate is 46% of the residential rate. Each rate in the dollar is 3.83% higher than in 2025–26. Properties are revalued every year at 1 January (Budget §4.1.1(b) and (n)).Property valuations and objections →
Municipal charge
$191 per rateable propertyUp $5 from $186. Where several parcels are run as one farm, you may only pay it once: apply for the single farm enterprise exemption.Single farm enterprise exemption →
Waste management service charge (2026–27)
$496 a yearUp $46 (10.2%) from $450. It covers a 120-litre rubbish bin and a 240-litre recycling bin; an additional recycling bin is $93. The budget says the rise reflects higher processing costs for green waste and hard waste collections and CPI, and that the charge is set at full cost recovery. Waste charges aren't covered by the rate cap. The council's Household Waste page still shows an earlier figure ($413); the adopted budget figure is $496.
When it's due
4 instalments — 30 September 2026, 30 November 2026, 28 February 2027 and 31 May 2027; or in full by 15 February 2027Or set up a weekly, fortnightly or monthly payment plan online. Pay online, by BPAY (reference on your notice), Centrepay, by post (cheque to PO Box 1, Wycheproof VIC 3527), at any post office or at the Wycheproof office. Notices go out in August and can be emailed through eNotices or BPAY View.Rates and payment options →
Interest on overdue rates
Set out on your rates noticeThe council's rates page says interest is charged on unpaid instalments on the terms shown on your notice, without giving the rate. The Penalty Interest Rates Act 1983 sets the maximum at 10% a year.
Pensioner concession
50% off your rates, up to $272.70For holders of a Pensioner Concession Card or DVA Gold Card (TPI or War Widow). Funded by the Victorian Government's Municipal Rates Concession. Eligible pensioners also get $50 off the ESVF. A Health Care Card doesn't qualify.Pensioner concession →
Payment difficulties
Call the Rates Officer on 1300 520 520The council has a Rates and Charges Financial Hardship Policy for ratepayers in genuine financial distress, updated in May 2026 after new Ministerial Guidelines.Payment difficulties →
Also on your notice: ESVF
Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund — a state levyA fixed charge that depends on the property type, plus an amount based on your property's value. The council must collect it for the Victorian Government and keeps none of it. It replaced the Fire Services Property Levy and isn't covered by the rate cap. Eligible CFA and VICSES volunteers can claim a rebate from the state (not from the council).About the ESVF →

Figures come from the council's 2026–27 Annual Budget (adopted at the council meeting on 17 June 2026) and its rates 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.