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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 Hobsons Bay's budget raises the average general rate by that much. For residential properties, the council says the average general rate rises by 1.84%. 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 charge, 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

Reissued rates notices (September 2026)
Use the notice dated 27/08/2026The council found that the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) levy had been under-calculated on the notices sent in early August, and reissued corrected notices from early September. It says no one was overcharged, valuations and general rates are unaffected, and instalment dates stay the same. FlexiPay codes only work with the reissued notice.Council update →
2026–27 rate rise
Average general rate +2.75%; residential +1.84%The budget's rate-cap table gives an average rate of $2,868 per rateable property for 2026–27. The council didn't apply for a higher cap.
How your rates are calculated
Capital Improved Value × 0.208174 cents in the dollar (residential)The 2026–27 residential rate in the dollar is 0.65% lower than 2025–26, after the January 2026 revaluation. Hobsons Bay uses differential rates, so vacant residential land, commercial, industrial and petro-chemical properties each have their own rate. There is no municipal charge.
Waste service charge (2026–27)
$375.12 for the standard four binsUp from $348.95 (+7.5%). Covers a 120-litre rubbish bin, 240-litre recycling bin, 120-litre food and garden bin and 120-litre glass bin. Properties sharing bins in apartment blocks, units or villages pay $318.10. Waste charges aren't covered by the rate cap.
When it's due
4 instalments: 30 Sep, 30 Nov, 28 Feb, 31 MayPay online, by BPAY, by phone (1300 276 468), at Australia Post (minimum $30) or at council offices. FlexiPay direct debit lets you pay weekly, fortnightly, monthly or by instalment.Payment options →
Interest on overdue rates
10% a year (2026–27)The rate fixed under the Penalty Interest Rates Act 1983, charged from the due date on the amount outstanding.
Pensioner concession
Up to 50% off rates, capped at $272.70, plus $50 off the ESVF (2026–27)State-funded, for your principal place of residence, if you hold a Pensioner Concession Card or a DVA Gold Card (War Widow/er or TPI). The council also waives a further $100 for approved pensioners. Health Care Card holders aren't eligible.Apply for the concession →
Help paying
Payment plans, deferrals and hardship waiversInterest-free payment plans for arrears, hardship payment plans and short-term deferrals. In severe hardship, with evidence, you may be eligible for a 25% reduction in 2026–27 rates; the council's page sets out the income and turnover tests. Call 1300 179 944.Get help paying →
Also on your notice: ESVF
Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund — a state levyThe council collects it on your rates notice for the Victorian Government. It replaced the Fire Services Property Levy. It isn't council revenue and isn't covered by the rate cap.About the ESVF →

Figures come from the adopted Annual Budget 2026–27 (section 4.1), adopted on 29 June 2026, and the council's rates pages. Your own notice shows your property's valuation, rate category and charges.

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.