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 Gannawarra's adopted budget raises average 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 (properties were revalued as at 1 January 2026), your property type, the kerbside waste charge, 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.
Rates at a glance
- 2026–27 rate rise
- Average general rates and municipal charge: +2.75%In line with the 2.75% cap set under the Fair Go Rates System. The council adopted the 2026/27 budget on 17 June 2026. Rate notices go out in late August and early September; if yours hasn't arrived by 15 September, call (03) 5450 9333.
- How your rates are calculated
- Capital Improved Value × the rate in the dollar for your property type2026–27 rates in the dollar: residential 0.004337; commercial / industrial 0.004632; farm irrigation district 0.003121; farm dryland 0.001496; cultural and recreational 0.002169. Properties were revalued as at 1 January 2026; the budget puts the total value of rateable land up 5.13% on 2025–26.Rates brochure 2026/27 →
- Municipal charge
- $110 per assessment (up from $100)A flat charge on every rateable property, whatever its value or type.
- Kerbside waste charge (2026–27)
- $480 (120-litre waste bin) or $688 (240-litre waste bin)Each includes a 240-litre recycling bin; up 2.75% on 2025–26. Green waste service $99. The charge applies to each residential property (other than vacant land) in the townships, whether or not the service is used. Waste charges aren't covered by the rate cap.Budget §4.1.1 →
- When it's due
- 4 instalments (30 Sep, 30 Nov 2026, 28 Feb, 31 May 2027), or in full by 15 February 2027To use the instalment plan, pay the first instalment by 30 September 2026. You can sign up for rates notices by email (eNotices).Rates brochure →
- Interest on overdue rates
- The council's pages don't state the rate — check your noticeVictorian councils may charge interest on overdue rates at up to the rate fixed under the Penalty Interest Rates Act 1983, currently 10% a year.
- Concessions
- Municipal Rates Concession for eligible concession card holdersA discount on council rates on your principal place of residence, up to a yearly maximum. The council's rates page shows an older maximum, so ask the council's Rates Coordinator on (03) 5450 9333 for the current figure.Concessions →
- Financial hardship
- Ask the council about its hardship optionsThe council says several of its policies set out options for ratepayers in financial hardship; phone (03) 5450 9333.
- Valuation objections
- Within 60 days of the notice's postage dateLodge through the state's Rating Valuation Objections portal. A valuer must discuss it with you and decide within 120 days.Objections portal →
- Also on your notice: ESVF
- Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund — a state levyThe council collects it with rates and passes it to the State 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. Part-payments are split between council rates and the levy. The council has stated that it opposes the levy in its current form. ESVF questions: State Revenue Office, 1300 819 033.About the ESVF →
The 2.75% rise, the rates in the dollar, the municipal charge and the waste charges come from the adopted 2026/27 Budget (§4.1.1) and match the council's 2026/27 rates brochure. Due dates and objections come from the brochure. The council's Rates and Valuations page still shows figures from earlier years, so we don't use it for amounts. Check your own notice for your figures.
Sources — check it yourself
- Gannawarra Shire Council — 2026/2027 Budget and Fees and Charges (PDF, §4.1.1 Rates and charges) · 2026–27
- Gannawarra Shire Council — 2026/27 Rates brochure (PDF) · 2026–27
- Gannawarra Shire Council — Rates and Valuations (ESVF, concessions, valuations) · Sep 2026
- Essential Services Commission — Annual council rate caps (2026–27: 2.75%) · Sep 2026
- State Revenue Office — Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund · Sep 2026
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.