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Rates & fees

Rates & fees

Victoria caps how much a council can raise its average rates each year. For 2026–27 the cap, set by the Minister for Local Government and published by the Essential Services Commission, is 2.75%, and Glenelg's adopted Budget raises the average general rate by exactly that. The cap limits the council's average rate rise, not your individual bill, and it covers general rates and any municipal charge only — the kerbside waste charge and the state's Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund on the same notice are outside it.

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 cap
2.75%General rates are budgeted at $27.6 million across 14,109 rates assessments; total rates and charges, including the waste charge and rating agreements, about $36.7 million.
How your general rate is worked out
Capital improved value (CIV) × rate in the dollarThe 2026–27 rate in the dollar is 0.003780 for general, vacant, commercial and industrial land — so a property valued at $400,000 pays $1,512 in general rates. Primary production land (40 hectares or more, under the council's definition) pays 70% of the general rate (0.002646). Valuer-General Victoria revalues every property each year.
Why your bill can change by more or less than 2.75%
Your property value relative to othersThe cap applies to the council's average rate. If your property's value rose more than the Shire average at revaluation, your general rates rise by more; if it rose less (or fell), they rise by less.
Municipal charge
NoneThe council does not levy a municipal charge.
Kerbside waste charge (2026–27, outside the rate cap)
$512 a year ($287 rubbish + $112 recycling + $113 FOGO)Up from $498 in 2025–26. Charged only to properties that receive the kerbside service; the council describes it as $9.85 a week per household.
Due dates (2026–27)
Four instalments: 30 Sep 2026, 30 Nov 2026, 1 Mar 2027, 31 May 2027 — or in full by 15 Feb 2027Annual notices are issued in August. The first instalment must be paid in full by 30 September to stay on instalments; otherwise the whole amount falls due on 15 February 2027. Pay by BPAY, online, in person, by mail or through Centrepay.
Interest on late payments
Rate not stated by the councilThe council's page says interest may be charged, calculated daily from the due date, but doesn't state the rate. The ceiling for Victorian councils is the rate fixed under the Penalty Interest Rates Act 1983, which has been 10% a year since 1 February 2017. Check your notice for the rate that applies.
Pensioner concession
Apply before 30 June with an eligible concession cardFor holders of a Centrelink or DVA Pensioner Concession Card, or a DVA Gold Card (War Widow or TPI), on their principal place of residence in the Shire. A Health Care Card does not qualify. Return the form with a copy of your card to a customer service centre. The council says it continues a pensioner rebate on general rates and kerbside charges in 2026–27.
Help if you're struggling to pay
Payment plans and Centrepay under the council's Financial Hardship PolicyContact the Rates Unit on (03) 5522 2210 or rates@glenelg.vic.gov.au — enquiries are confidential — or use the online payment plan form.
Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF)
A state levy collected on your rates noticeReplaced the Fire Services Property Levy from 1 July 2025. The council collects it for the State Government; it is not council revenue and is not covered by the rate cap. Primary producers with several parcels valued as one property can apply for a Single Farm Enterprise exemption from the fixed charge.
Disagree with your valuation?
Object within 60 days of the notice's issue dateLodge through the state's Rating Valuation Objections Portal.Object to a valuation →

The rate cap limits the council's average rate rise, not each household's bill. Figures are from the council's 2026–27 Budget, which the council's budget page says was endorsed at the 23 June 2026 Council Meeting (the PDF's foreword still describes it as the draft), and from its rates pages; confirm against your notice.

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.