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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 rate 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) 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 rate +2.75%From a base average rate of $1,931.91 to a capped average of $1,985.03 (Budget §4.1.1(l)). This equals the 2.75% cap set by the Minister for Local Government under the Fair Go Rates System. The budget shows Hepburn's maximum increase for 2025–26 as 10%, after the council secured a rate cap variation. Hepburn has no municipal charge.
How your rates are calculated
Capital Improved Value × 0.25266 cents per dollar (residential)For example, a home valued at $600,000 pays about $1,516 in general rates, before waste charges and the state levy (our arithmetic from the council's rate). Farm land pays 0.16423 cents; commercial, industrial and mixed-use land 0.29309 cents; vacant township land 0.31583 cents; other vacant land 0.25266 cents; and recreational and Trust for Nature land 0.12633 cents per dollar. The rates in the dollar are 4.69% higher than in 2025–26, while the budget's total value of rateable land is about 1% lower after the general revaluation (Budget §4.1.1(b) and (f)).Rates explained →
Waste charges (2026–27)
Township home: $540 a year in total (down from $610)Made up of the waste management charge ($210, levied on every property to fund the shire's waste facilities), fortnightly 120-litre rubbish collection ($100), fortnightly recycling ($80) and weekly FOGO ($150). Rural homes with a kerbside service pay the $210 charge plus $110 for a 140-litre rubbish bin and $80 for recycling. Council rubbish collection for businesses is optional and costs $800 for a weekly 240-litre bin. Waste charges aren't covered by the rate cap.Waste and other charges →
When it's due
4 instalments — 30 September, 30 November, 28 February and 31 MayOr 10 monthly direct debits on the third Friday of each month from September to June (not available if you're in arrears). Pay by BPAY, online by card (BPOINT), Australia Post (POSTbillpay, in person or on 13 18 16), by mail, or in person at a council customer service centre.Pay your rates →
Interest on overdue rates
10% a yearThe council says interest is charged at 10% a year on amounts outstanding from their due date. That is the current penalty interest rate under the Penalty Interest Rates Act 1983.
Pensioner concession
State concession plus a council rebate on your principal homeEligible pension and DVA card holders get the Victorian Government's Municipal Rates Concession, and the council adds its own rebate for those who qualify. In September 2026 the council said a printing error left the pensioner rebate out of the detailed breakdown on some notices; the balance owing was correct, and corrected notices were to be reissued.Rates assistance →
Payment plans and hardship
Call the Finance team on (03) 5348 2306Options include payment plans without interest penalties, a short deferral, or waiving interest. At its September 2026 meeting the council resolved to review its Revenue Collection and Financial Hardship Policy, with community consultation.Apply for help →
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 adopted 2026–27 budget (adopted at a Special Council Meeting on 30 June 2026) and its rates pages. The council says the rates in the dollar may change slightly until the general revaluation is finalised. 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.