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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 general rate and 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 charges (not capped, up about 10% this year) 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 general rate and municipal charge +2.75%Equal to the 2.75% cap set by the Minister for Local Government under the Fair Go Rates System run by the Essential Services Commission. The council says it aimed to avoid applying for a higher cap, and that in future years it may have to apply for one (budget, Message from the Mayor and CEO).A message about rates →
How your rates are calculated
Capital Improved Value × $0.003408 (Maryborough residential)The council's example: a Maryborough home valued at $300,000 pays $1,022.40 in general rates, before waste charges, the municipal charge and the state levy. Seven differential rates apply, per dollar of value: residential outside Maryborough $0.003067, vacant land $0.004328, commercial in Maryborough $0.005453, commercial elsewhere $0.004771, industrial $0.003135 and farm land $0.002726. These were adopted on 24 June 2026, after the budget, on final valuations.How rates are calculated →
Municipal charge (2026–27)
$202 per rateable propertyThe same as in 2025–26 (budget section 4.1.1(g)).
Waste charges (2026–27)
Standard garbage and recycling $679.81; non-standard $836.23; optional green waste $96.68; Waste Management Fee $260.67As listed on the council's waste charges page. Standard is an 80-litre rubbish bin in urban areas or 140 litres in rural areas; non-standard is 140 litres urban or 240 litres rural. The garbage and recycling charges apply only to households with those bins; the Waste Management Fee is charged to all ratepayers for landfill rehabilitation, transfer stations and public bins. The adopted budget lists the components separately: standard garbage $223, non-standard garbage $380, recycling $194, Waste Management Fee $261 and green waste $96 (section 4.1.1(i)). Your rates notice shows the charges that apply to you. Waste charges aren't covered by the rate cap.Waste and recycling charges →
When it's due
4 instalments — 30 September, 30 November, 28 February and 31 May; or in full by 15 February 2027Notices are usually sent by the end of August. BPAY biller code 8854; card online or by phone ((03) 5461 0610); Australia Post Billpay (code 0711, online, 13 18 16 or at a post office); direct debit; Centrepay; by mail to PO Box 194, Maryborough VIC 3465. Minimum payment $20.Pay your rates →
Interest on overdue rates
10% a yearThe council says it charges interest at the current rate under the Penalty Interest Rates Act 1983, 10%, from the date each missed instalment was due. If you chose to pay in full and miss 15 February, interest is worked out as if you were paying by instalments.
Pensioner concession
$272.70 off your ratesFor holders of a Pensioner Concession Card (Centrelink or Veterans' Affairs), a War Widow Gold Card or a TPI Gold Card, plus a $50 state rebate on the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund. A Health Care Card is not eligible.Rate concessions →
Financial hardship
Payment plans, interest waivers or deferral — call the rates team on (03) 5461 0681By application, with evidence of hardship, under the council's Financial Hardship Policy.Rate payment assistance →
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. It isn't council revenue and isn't covered by the rate cap.About the ESVF →

Figures come from the council's 2026–27 budget (adopted in May 2026; announced 28 May 2026), the rates in the dollar adopted on 24 June 2026, and the council's rates pages. The budget's own rates in the dollar were subject to final valuations, so the adopted rates above differ slightly from them. 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.