← Loddon Shire Council
Rates & fees

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 Loddon's adopted Budget raises the average general rate and the municipal charge by exactly that. The cap limits the council's average rate rise, not your individual bill, and it covers general rates and the municipal charge only — the garbage and recycling charges 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 $10.1 million in general rates and $1.6 million in municipal charges across 8,135 rateable assessments. The council says it has never applied to the Essential Services Commission for a rise above the cap.
How your general rate is worked out
Capital improved value (CIV) × rate in the dollarThe 2026–27 general rate is 0.185075 cents per dollar of CIV (0.185361 in 2025–26). At that rate, a general property valued at $300,000 pays about $555 in general rates (our calculation from the Budget's rate).
Rural rate
88% of the general rate — 0.162866 cents per dollar of CIVFor rateable rural properties; the Budget keeps the existing 12% differential.
Municipal charge
$257 per rateable property (up from $250)Properties that form part of a single farm enterprise can apply for an exemption on all but one property.
Garbage and recycling charges (2026–27, outside the rate cap)
$673 a year for a standard residential service (up from $585)Garbage collection (140-litre bin) $489 plus kerbside recycling (240-litre bin) $184; commercial garbage (240-litre bin) $665. The council says the 15% rise recovers the cost of the service, including higher fuel costs in the waste contract.
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 whose valuation rose more than the Shire average may see increases above 2.75%; those that rose less may see smaller increases or a reduction. In the 2026–27 Budget, total rural land value rose 3.9% and general land value 1.6%.
Due dates
Four instalments: 30 September, 30 November, 28 February and 31 May — or in full by 15 FebruaryAnnual notices are issued in August. To be treated as an instalment payer, the first instalment must be paid by 30 September. Pay online (PayWay), by phone, BPAY, direct debit, Centrepay, at any Post Office, by mail, or in person at the council offices; 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 pages say interest is charged from each instalment's due date but don't state the rate. Victorian councils may charge up to the rate fixed under the Penalty Interest Rates Act 1983, which has been 10% a year since 1 February 2017. Your notice shows the rate applied.
Pensioner concession
A State Government concession on your principal place of residenceFor holders of a Centrelink or DVA Pensioner Concession Card, or a DVA Gold Card marked TPI or War Widow. A Health Care Card does not qualify. The council's page doesn't state the amount; apply on the council's concession form.
Help if you're struggling to pay
Talk to the rates office on (03) 5494 1200The council says it has options for ratepayers facing genuine financial hardship and discusses them confidentially. A rates payment card lets you pay fortnightly or monthly at any Post Office at no extra charge.
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 for the State Government; it is not council revenue and is not covered by the rate cap. Concessions apply for eligible pensioners and veterans, and single farm enterprises can apply to pay one fixed charge.
Disagree with your valuation?
Object through the state's portal or on the council's formYou must still pay your rates by the due date while the objection is considered.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 2026–27 Budget, adopted on 16 June 2026, and from its rates pages (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.