Hindmarsh Shire (VIC) council rates — what you pay and when

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 Hindmarsh's adopted Budget raises the average general rate and the municipal charge in line with it. The cap limits the council's average rate rise, not your individual bill, and it covers general rates and the 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%The Budget raises about $8.36 million in general rates and $0.77 million in municipal charges across 5,244 rateable assessments.
How your general rate is worked out: Capital improved value (CIV) × rate in the dollar for your property type2026–27 rates in the dollar: residential $0.0020680; farm land and business, industrial and commercial $0.0018612 (a 10% discount); recreational and cultural land $0.0010340 (50% discount); urban vacant land $0.0041360 (a 100% loading). At the residential rate, a home valued at $250,000 pays about $517 in general rates (our calculation from the council's rate).
Municipal charge: $205 per assessment (unchanged from 2025–26)Charged to every assessment except non-rateable properties and those exempt as part of a single farm enterprise — apply on the council's Single Farm Enterprise Exemption form.
Kerbside waste charge (2026–27, outside the rate cap): $480 a year for a residential property (up from $478)Covers the 120-litre rubbish, 120-litre glass and 240-litre recycling bins. Upgrading to a 240-litre rubbish bin, or a second 120-litre rubbish bin, adds $222.50. Rural properties on a collection route: 240-litre rubbish bin $445, 120-litre $222.50. Compulsory for urban properties.
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. Properties are revalued every year, so bills vary. In the 2026–27 Budget, total farm land value fell 1.6% while residential value rose 2.1% and commercial and industrial value rose 11.7%.
Due dates: Four instalments: 30 September, 30 November, 28 February and 31 MayPay by BPAY, Post Billpay (online, at a Post Office or on 13 18 16), direct debit (weekly, fortnightly, monthly or by instalment), Centrepay, mail (cheque), by phone (credit card), or in person at a council customer service centre. Notices can be received by email through Ezybill.
Interest on late payments: Not stated by the council — 10% a year is the legal maximumThe council's Revenue and Rating Plan says interest is charged on overdue rates at the rate fixed under the Penalty Interest Rates Act 1983, but doesn't state the figure. That rate has been 10% a year since 1 February 2017. Your notice shows the rate applied.
Pensioner rebate: Up to $272.70, plus a $50 ESVF rebateFor holders of a Centrelink or DVA Pensioner Concession Card, or a DVA Gold Card marked TPI or War Widow, on your principal place of residence. Apply at any time on the council's Municipal Rates Concession form with a copy of your card.
Help if you're struggling to pay: Call the rates team on (03) 5391 4444 or email rates@hindmarsh.vic.gov.auThe council offers payment plans under its Hardship and Financial Hardship Policy.
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 and pays it to the State Government in full; it is not council revenue and is not covered by the rate cap. The 2026–27 residential fixed charge is $139 plus $0.000173 per dollar of CIV; primary production $282 plus $0.000287. Eligible emergency-service volunteers can claim a rebate.
2025–26 rate cap: Average increase 3.05% against a 3.00% capThe Essential Services Commission described this as 'immaterially non-compliant'. The council said the rates had been modelled on an early set of valuations rather than the final ones, putting about $3,949 in excess across the whole rate base (under $1 per assessment on average). On 24 September 2025 it resolved to reduce the total rates levied in 2026–27 by the excess amount.
Disagree with your valuation?: Object through the state's portal within two months of your noticeObjections to the valuation on your council rates notice go to the council, usually lodged through the Victorian Government's online 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 2026/2027 Budget, adopted on 24 June 2026, its 2026 rates and charges sheet, and its Rates and Payments page (checked September 2026); 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.