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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 average rates (general rates plus the municipal charge, per property) 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 everyone else's, the kerbside waste charge (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 rates +2.75%General rates plus the municipal charge, averaged per rateable property: from a base of $2,145 to $2,204 (Budget §10.1.1(l)). This equals the 2.75% cap set by the Minister for Local Government under the Fair Go Rates System run by the Essential Services Commission.
How your rates are calculated
Capital Improved Value × 0.0020129 (residential)For example, a home valued at $800,000 pays about $1,610 in general rates, before the municipal charge, waste charge and state levy (our arithmetic from the council's rate). Agricultural land pays 0.00161032 (you must apply for it), commercial and industrial land 0.00241548, and recreational land and not-for-profit housing 0.00100645.Rates explained →
Municipal charge
$212 per rateable propertyUnchanged from 2025–26. The council says it covers part of its governance and administration costs.
Kerbside waste charge (2026–27)
$650 a year for the standard four-bin serviceThe budget sets it at $598 for kerbside collection plus a $52 state EPA landfill levy on the rubbish bin. Extra bins: rubbish (140 L) $318 including the levy, recycling $146, FOGO $106, glass $80; upgrading to a 240-litre rubbish bin adds $227. Waste charges aren't covered by the rate cap; the council says it sets them to recover the full cost of the service.Bin charges →
When it's due
4 instalments — 30 September, 30 November, 28 February and 31 MayThe council's page says you can instead pay in full by 30 September. BPAY biller code 16295; direct debit (weekly to quarterly) through FlexiPay; or in person at a customer service centre or Australia Post.Pay your rates →
Interest on overdue rates
Penalty interest rate — currently 10% a year (Penalty Interest Rates Act 1983); check your noticeThe council says unpaid instalments are charged penalty interest.
Pensioner concession
State-funded concession on your principal homeFor Pensioner Concession Card holders and DVA Gold Card (War Widow or TPI) holders. Apply with the state's Municipal Rates Concession form by 30 June. Pensioners also get a $50 rebate on the ESVF levy.Concessions →
Financial hardship
Interest-free payment arrangement, or hardship support — call (03) 5422 0333The council offers interest-free arrangements to pay by 30 June, and has a Financial Hardship Policy.Hardship options →
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. The council has published its own position on the levy.About the ESVF →

Figures come from the council's adopted 2026–27 budget (adopted at the June 2026 Council meeting; the council's Your Say page gives 17 June 2026) and its rates and bins pages. 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.