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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 the average general rate by 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 waste charges (not capped) and the state levy printed on the same notice. Moorabool has no municipal charge.

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 rate +2.75%Capped average rate $2,076 per rateable property, from a base average of $2,021 (Budget §4.1.1(j)). 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 × 0.260758 cents per dollar (General Rate)The General Rate applies to land with an occupied dwelling. For example, a home valued at $600,000 pays about $1,565 in general rates, before waste charges and the state levy (our arithmetic from the council's rate). Farm land pays 0.203392 cents per dollar (you must apply), commercial and industrial land 0.391138, retirement villages 0.234682, and vacant general, vacant residential (GRZ) and vacant commercial land 0.521516. The council publishes a 2026/27 rate calculator (XLSX).Rates explained →
Municipal charge
NoneIn January–February 2026 the council consulted on introducing one; the adopted 2026–27 budget doesn't include a municipal charge.The consultation →
Waste charges (2026–27)
Waste management $144 (every rateable property) + state landfill levy $82Plus, where you have the service: kerbside garbage $161 and recycling $101 (together $262), and green waste $103 (urban areas only). The waste management charge (up from $113) pays for street and park litter bins, litter and dumping clean-up, street sweeping and transfer station infrastructure. Waste charges aren't covered by the rate cap.Waste service charges →
When it's due
Pay in full by 15 February, or in 4 instalments (first by the end of September)If the first instalment isn't paid in full by the end of September, the account is treated as a full-payment account due in February. Reminders for the later instalments are sent at least 14 days before each due date shown on your notice. You can also pay in 10 monthly direct debits (15th of each month, September to June). BPAY, Australia Post, phone or in person.Payment options →
Interest on overdue rates
10% a yearThe council says penalty interest accrues at 10% per annum from each missed due date.Late payments →
Pensioner concession
Up to 50% off rates, capped at $272.70 (2026–27)The Victorian Government's municipal rates concession, on your principal home, for Pensioner Concession Card and DVA Gold Card (War Widow or TPI) holders. Also a $50 rebate on the ESVF levy.Apply for the concession →
Payment plans and hardship
Payment plan (clear the balance within 12 months) or financial hardship assistanceHardship assistance applies only to your principal place of residence. Revenue Services: (03) 5366 7100.Financial hardship →
Also on your notice: ESVF
Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund — a state levyThe council collects it for the Victorian Government and doesn't keep any of it. For 2026–27 the fixed charge is $139 for residential properties and $282 for non-residential, plus a variable charge on your property's value. It replaced the Fire Services Property Levy on 1 July 2025 and isn't covered by the rate cap.About the ESVF →

Figures come from the council's adopted 2026/27 Annual Budget (adopted at an Unscheduled Meeting of Council on 24 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.