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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 Maroondah's budget raises the average general rate by exactly that much; the council's financial plan has no intention to apply for a higher cap. The cap applies to the average across all properties, so your own bill can rise or fall by more. Your notice also carries a separate residential bin charge, which is not covered by the cap. Rates notices are usually sent between July and September.

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 general rate: +2.75% (the state cap)The budget raises $96.76 million in general rates. The rate cap was set by the Minister for Local Government under the Fair Go Rates System. Maroondah does not apply a municipal charge.
Residential bin charge
$514 a year with a 120-litre general waste bin; $424 with an 80-litre binUp from $465 and $385 in 2025–26 (10.5% and 10.1%). The council says the rise is mainly due to the state landfill levy and contract costs, and that waste charges are set at full cost recovery. They aren't covered by the rate cap. From 2026–27 the state EPA levy part of the charge is shown separately on the rates notice. Extra bins cost more: an additional residential 120-litre bin is $328 and an additional 240-litre recycling bin $60 (extra services need council approval).Budget (section 4.1.1) →
How your general rates are calculated
Capital Improved Value × 0.190898 cents in the dollar (general land)Other rates: vacant land 0.286347, commercial and industrial land 0.229078, derelict land 0.381796 cents in the dollar. For example, a home valued at $750,000 pays $1,431.74 in general rates, before the bin charge. The general rate in the dollar is 2.04% lower than in 2025–26, while the total value of general land rose 5.90%. The Valuer-General revalues all properties every year, as at 1 January.How rates are calculated →
When it's due
4 instalments (30 Sep 2026, 30 Nov 2026, 28 Feb 2027, 31 May 2027), or in full by 15 Feb 2027Or 9 monthly direct debits from 30 September 2026 to 31 May 2027. If the first instalment is paid after 30 September, it counts as a part payment and the whole balance is due by 15 February 2027. BPAY is free; card payments through BPOINT carry a 0.6% fee.Payment options →
Interest on overdue rates
10% a year (Penalty Interest Rates Act 1983)The council says late payments incur interest fixed by the Victorian Government at 10%, charged daily from each instalment's due date. It offers standard and financial hardship payment plans.Payment plans & hardship →
Pensioner concessions
50% off rates and charges, up to $272.70 a yearA state government rebate for Pensioner Concession Card holders and some DVA Gold Card holders, at their principal place of residence (rental properties aren't eligible). You need to apply. Eligible pensioners also get $50 off the ESVF.Concessions →
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 →

In the budget (section 4.1.1(a)), total rates and charges rise 5.04%, from $116.2 million (2025–26 forecast) to $122.0 million: general rates rise 3.66% and service (bin) charges 11.33%. So compare your whole notice, not just the general rates line. Figures come from the adopted 2026–27 budget and the council's rates pages.

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.