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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 Geelong's budget raises average rates by exactly 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 management charge isn't capped, and it rises 6.8% this year.

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 average residential rate rises from $1,580.08 to $1,623.53 (+$43.45), excluding the waste charge. This equals the 2.75% cap set under the Fair Go Rates System run by the Essential Services Commission.
How your rates are calculated
Capital Improved Value × rate in the dollarThe 2026–27 residential rate is 0.00212512 per dollar of CIV. The council's own example: a home valued at $767,919 pays $1,631.92 in general rates, plus the $544.20 waste charge, for a total of $2,176.12. Other categories have their own rate: commercial/industrial 0.00376186, vacant land 0.00288397, farm 0.00101355 (47.7% of the residential rate, for working commercial farms) and mixed use 0.00310253.How rates are calculated →
Waste management charge (2026–27)
$544.20 per property (up from $509.55, +6.8%)$209.75 for multi-site properties. It applies wherever the council provides a household rubbish collection. Waste charges aren't covered by the rate cap. The budget says the increase is to cover the cost of waste disposal. Extra or larger bins cost more: $158.50 to upgrade to a 240-litre rubbish bin, $115.40 for an extra recycling bin and $107.15 for an extra garden bin.
When it's due
4 instalments (30 Sep, 30 Nov, 28 Feb, 31 May), or in full by 15 FebThe first 2026–27 instalment is due on 30 September 2026. If the first instalment isn't paid in full by then, the whole amount falls due on 15 February 2027.Ways to pay →
Interest on overdue rates
10% per yearAs stated on the council's instalments and unpaid-rates pages ('as set by the State Government'). This is the rate fixed under the Penalty Interest Rates Act 1983.
Pensioner rebate
50% of rates and charges, up to $272.70 (2026–27)For your sole or principal place of residence, if you hold a Pensioner Concession Card or a DVA Gold Card stating TPI or War Widow. Apply by 30 June 2027 for 2026–27. The rebate is funded by the Victorian Government.Pensioner rebates →
Financial hardship
Payment plans, deferrals and waiversThe council offers individual payment arrangements and deferrals under its Financial Hardship Policy. A waiver may apply if your valuation rose more than 50% (excluding building works) and you are a pensioner or on a low taxable income.Rates 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 in 2025. It isn't council revenue and isn't covered by the rate cap.About the ESVF →

Greater Geelong's 2026–27 budget lists no municipal charge; average rates are raised through the general rate alone. The figures above come from the adopted 2026–27 budget (section 4.1.1) and the council's rates pages. The council's pensioner rebate page still mentions a concession on the Fire Services Property Levy, which the ESVF replaced in 2025; check your notice. Check your own notice or the council's rates pages 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.