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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 Greater Bendigo's budget raises average rates 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 others in the same rating category. The waste charge isn't capped; for 2026–27 it is unchanged, for the second year in a row.

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 $2,071 per property, up from a base average of $2,015 (budget section 4.1.1(j)). The council says it has never applied for a variation to the cap since the Fair Go Rates System began in 2016–17.
How your rates are calculated
Capital Improved Value × rate in the dollar2026–27 rates in the dollar: general rate 0.00292527; vacant land 0.00365660 (125% of the general rate); commercial/industrial A — urban Bendigo, Maiden Gully and Strathfieldsaye — 0.00555807 (190%); commercial/industrial B — rural areas — 0.00541176 (185%); commercial/industrial C — Bendigo city centre — 0.00570429 (195%); farm land 0.00190143 (65%). Property values are set by the Valuer-General Victoria at 1 January each year.Understand your rates →
Bins and waste services charge (2026–27)
$461 (140-litre general waste bin) or $652 (240-litre) — unchangedWith an organics bin exemption: $346 (140 L) or $537 (240 L). An additional general waste bin costs $230 (140 L) or $421 (240 L), an extra recycling bin $60 and an extra organics bin $56. Waste charges aren't covered by the rate cap. The 2026–27 budget lists no municipal charge.
When it's due
4 instalments (30 Sep 2026, 30 Nov 2026, 1 Mar 2027, 31 May 2027), or in full by 30 Sep 2026From 2026–27 the council no longer gives a discount for paying in full in September; the adopted budget removed it. Direct debit, BPAY, phone (1300 276 468), post office, Centrepay and in-person payment are available.Pay your rates →
Interest on overdue rates
Penalty interest rate — currently 10% a year (Penalty Interest Rates Act 1983); check your noticeThe council's page says interest may be charged on an overdue instalment 'in accordance with Council policy' and doesn't state the rate.
Pensioner concession
Concession on rates for your main residenceFor holders of a Pensioner Concession Card or a DVA Gold Card (War Widow or TPI). A Health Care Card isn't eligible. The council's page doesn't state the amount; the concession is a Victorian Government scheme (Department of Families, Fairness and Housing).Apply for the concession →
Financial hardship
Payment arrangements and hardship guidelinesWeekly, fortnightly or monthly payment arrangements, and hardship consideration under the council's Financial Hardship Guidelines. Phone 1300 002 642.Hardship guidelines →
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 in 2025. It isn't council revenue and isn't covered by the rate cap.About the ESVF →

The figures above come from the adopted Budget 2026–2027 (section 4.1.1) and the council's rates pages. The council's main rates page still says 'Pay early for a discount'; the 2026–27 budget and the council's August 2026 announcement say that discount has ended. 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.