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 Shire's budget raises the average general rate 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, your waste charges, and the state levy printed on the same notice. The Shire has no municipal charge.
New to these terms? Read them in plain English
- Pensioner rebate
- A discount on rates for eligible pensioners.
Rates at a glance
- 2026–27 rate rise
- Average general rate +2.75%From a base average of $1,726 to $1,773 per rateable property (Budget §4.1.1(k)). 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 × 0.0014113 (residential)The Shire's example: a home with a CIV of $1,000,000 pays $1,411.30 in general rates, before waste charges and the state levy. Vacant land pays 40% more (0.0019758); farm land classified under the Valuation of Land Act pays 35% of the general rate (0.0004940); retirement village units, a new category in 2026–27, pay 80% (0.0011290). Values are from the 1 January 2026 revaluation.How rates are calculated →
- Waste charges (2026–27)
- $507 with a kerbside collection ($353 collection + $154 public cleaning)From 2026–27 the old waste service charge ($433) is split in two. Properties with kerbside bins pay both parts, $74 (17.1%) more than last year. Properties without kerbside bins pay only the $154 public cleaning charge, which covers public bins, street sweeping and beach cleaning. Waste charges aren't covered by the rate cap. The optional food and green waste bin is $178 a year.
- When it's due
- 4 instalments (30 Sep 2026, 30 Nov 2026, 28 Feb 2027, 31 May 2027), or in full by 15 Feb 2027If the first instalment isn't paid by 30 September, the property reverts to paying in full by 15 February. You can also pay weekly, fortnightly or monthly through the Shire's direct-debit provider, Payble, as long as rates are paid in full by 30 June 2027.Payment options →
- Interest on overdue rates
- Penalty interest rate — currently 10% a yearSet under the Penalty Interest Rates Act 1983. The Shire's rates pages we checked don't state a rate, so check your notice.
- Pensioner concession
- 50% off, up to $272.70 in 2026–27For your principal place of residence, if you hold a Pensioner Concession Card, a DVA Gold Card (TPI) or a DVA Gold Card (War Widow). One rebate per rating year; apply by 30 June 2027. (The Shire's concessions summary page still shows the 2025–26 maximum of $266.)Rebates & concessions →
- Financial hardship
- Apply online or call the Debt Management Team on (03) 5950 1080For owner-occupiers, or tenants responsible for the rates, where the property is their main home.
- Also on your notice: ESVF
- Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund — a state levyThe Shire 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 →
Figures come from the Shire's adopted 2026–27 budget and its rates pages. Each rates notice also carries 4 waste vouchers for the booked hard and green waste service or the tips. Check your own notice or the Shire's rates pages for your figures.
Sources — check it yourself
- Mornington Peninsula Shire — Budget 2026–27, section 4.1.1 Rates and charges (PDF) · 2026–27
- Mornington Peninsula Shire — How are my rates calculated? · Sep 2026
- Mornington Peninsula Shire — Rate payment options and information · Sep 2026
- Mornington Peninsula Shire — Rates FAQs · Sep 2026
- Mornington Peninsula Shire — Rates rebates, concessions and applications · Sep 2026
- Essential Services Commission — Annual council rate caps (2026–27: 2.75%) · Sep 2026
- Supreme Court of Victoria — Penalty interest rates · Sep 2026
- State Revenue Office — Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund · Sep 2026
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.