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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 rate per property 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 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 rate +2.75%General rates averaged per rateable property: from a base of $1,927 to $1,980 (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. Mount Alexander has no municipal charge.
How your rates are calculated
Capital Improved Value × 0.26854 cents per dollar (residential)For example, a home valued at $600,000 pays about $1,611 in general rates, before the waste charge and state levy (our arithmetic from the council's rate). Farm land pays 0.21483 cents, commercial 0.34910 cents and vacant land 0.53708 cents per dollar. The residential rate in the dollar is 4.86% higher than in 2025–26, while the budget's total value of rateable land is 1.55% lower (Budget §4.1.1(b) and (f)).How rates are calculated →
Kerbside waste charge (2026–27)
$496 a year with an 80-litre rubbish bin, or $720 with a 140-litre binUp 3.8% on 2025–26. The charge includes the 240-litre recycling bin. Waste charges aren't covered by the rate cap. The council says charges for the FOGO and glass services due from July 2027 will be considered in the 2027–28 budget.Bin sizes and charges →
When it's due
4 instalments — 30 September, 30 November, 28 February and 31 MayOr pay in full by the first instalment date. Reminders are sent at least two weeks before each due date. BPAY biller code 41749; card online or by phone (1300 486 757); Centrepay; direct debit; by post; or in person at the Castlemaine Civic Centre or any Australia Post office.Pay your rates →
Interest on overdue rates
10% a yearThe council says it charges interest of 10% a year on all overdue payments. That is the current penalty interest rate under the Penalty Interest Rates Act 1983.
Pensioner concession
State-funded concession on your principal homeFor eligible concession card holders, through the Victorian Government's Municipal Rates Concession.Municipal Rates Concession →
Financial hardship
Special payment arrangements — rates@mountalexander.vic.gov.au or (03) 5471 1700The council has a Financial Hardship Policy.Hardship and assistance →
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 →

Figures come from the council's adopted 2026–27 budget (adopted on 16 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.