VIC · Sunraysia & Mallee · Local council, made simple
Mildura Rural City Council
Mildura Rural City Council covers Victoria's far north-west — about 22,000 km² from the Murray River to the Mallee — and is home to about 57,000 people, most of them in Mildura, Irymple, Red Cliffs, Merbein and Nichols Point, with Ouyen, Murrayville and Underbool further south. Nine councillors, one per ward, choose the Mayor each year. The council runs your bins, local roads and footpaths, parks, libraries and planning, and sets your rates. Here's the snapshot, followed by what affects your week.
Everyday essentials
The things people actually need from the council — fast.
Get to know your council
The basics, in one tap — open any card for key facts and a link to the official source.
This year's rate rise, how your bill is worked out, and when it's due.
2026–27: average rates +2.75% (the state cap); waste charges unchanged
Open →Budget & financesMildura's financial indicators, each shown next to the Victorian median.
Average rate per property: $2,340 (Vic median $1,937)
Open →Crime & safetyMildura's recorded offence rates, side by side with the Victorian rate.
10 of 11 offence rates above the Victorian rate
Open →Mayor & councillorsYour ward councillor, the Mayor, and how to contact them.
Mayor: Cr Ali Cupper (2025–2026)
Open →Elections & votingWhen the next council election is, and the 2024 results.
Next council election: Saturday 28 October 2028
Open →Contact & servicesHow to reach the council: phone, email, offices and hours.
Phone: 03 5018 8100
Open →City profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is.
Population: 57,309 (ABS, June 2025)
Open →What's happening
4 updatesRecent items from Mildura Rural City Council's public channels, in plain language.
- Have your say
Survey on the Mildura City Heart precinct
The council's annual precinct evaluation survey asks people who use the Mildura City Heart (CBD) precinct for their views, to help plan programs and activities and shape future developments.
What this means for you: The survey takes about 10 minutes and is open from 21 September to 5 October 2026 on Your Say.
- Policy
Council repeats call for support for storm-affected growers
The council has again called on all levels of government to support Sunraysia growers affected by the March 2026 rain event. The Mayor, Cr Ali Cupper, and a Sunraysia Table Grape Association committee member described flow-on effects for other local businesses and signs of longer-term damage to some vines.
What this means for you: This is the council's advocacy position; the release doesn't announce a new support program.
- Event
2027 Australia Day Award nominations open
Nominations are open for Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, and Community Event or Project of the Year.
What this means for you: Nominate online at mildura.vic.gov.au/awards until 5pm on Friday 30 October 2026.
- Policy
2026–27 budget endorsed: $48.9m of capital works, rates at the 2.75% cap
Councillors endorsed the 2026–27 budget, with a $48.9 million capital works program including $20 million for roads, $12.73 million for buildings and $2.49 million for drainage. Average base rates rise by the 2.75% state cap and waste charges are unchanged. The budget forecasts a $40,000 operating deficit.
What this means for you: Rates notices are issued for 2026–27; the first instalment is due on 30 September 2026.
Email alerts aren't switched on yet
We haven't started sending email, so we're not taking addresses for now. New items from Mildura Rural City Councilshow up under “What's happening” above as we find them, each linked to its official source.