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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 and municipal charge 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 charges (not capped) and the state levy printed on the same notice. The budget notes that property values fell after the January 2026 bushfires, and total general rate revenue is slightly lower than in 2025–26.

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 and municipal charge +2.75%Equal to the 2.75% cap set by the Minister for Local Government under the Fair Go Rates System run by the Essential Services Commission (Budget §4.1.1). The council has assumed that a State Government rates relief grant ($756,000) will cover the revenue lost when bushfire-affected properties fell in value, rather than spreading that shortfall across other ratepayers (Budget, Mayor's introduction; minutes of 17 June 2026).
How your rates are calculated
Capital Improved Value × 0.2031 cents per dollar (residential)For example, a home valued at $500,000 pays about $1,016 in general rates, plus the $395 municipal charge, before waste charges and the state levy (our arithmetic from the council's rate). Commercial and industrial land pays 0.2437 cents, vacant land 0.4061 cents, Rural 1 land (40 hectares or more) 0.1421 cents and Rural 2 land (over 4 and under 40 hectares) 0.2010 cents per dollar.How rates are calculated →
Municipal charge
$395 a propertyA fixed charge on each rateable property, up from $385. A single farm enterprise run on several properties pays one municipal charge if it applies for the exemption before 15 February.
Kerbside waste charges (2026–27)
$580 a year for four bins, or $425 for three bins (no FOGO)Each is the Community Waste Charge ($155) plus the service charge ($425 for the four-bin service, $270 for the three-bin service) (Budget §4.1.1(i)). Charged to homes and businesses (not vacant land) in the compulsory waste charge zone (within 2 km of a township) or in a delivery zone. Waste charges aren't covered by the rate cap.About your bins →
When it's due
4 instalments — 30 September, 30 November, 28 February and 31 MayOr pay in full by 15 February 2027. To pay by instalments you must pay the first by 30 September 2026. BPAY (biller code 21360); card online; direct debit (fortnightly, monthly or quarterly); in person at the Alexandra, Kinglake or Yea customer service centres; or by post.Pay your rates →
Interest on overdue rates
10% a yearThe council's rate declaration charges interest on unpaid instalments at the rate set under the Penalty Interest Rates Act 1983 as at 1 July, which is currently 10% a year (minutes of 17 June 2026).
Bushfire-affected properties
Revaluation and supplementary noticeProperties where a home or major outbuildings were destroyed or significantly damaged in January 2026 are being reassessed, and owners receive a supplementary rates notice reflecting the change in value from 8 January to 30 June 2026 (the council's 2025–26 arrangements).Fire-affected property owners →
Pensioner concession
State-funded concession on your principal homeFor eligible Pensioner Concession Card and DVA Gold Card (War Widow or TPI) holders who live on the property, through the Victorian Government's Municipal Rates Concession. Apply to the council.Municipal Rates Concession →
Can't pay on time
Payment plan or hardship application — (03) 5772 0333 or rates@murrindindi.vic.gov.auThe council has a Financial Hardship and Debt Management Policy.What if I cannot pay →
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 →

Rates and charges come from the council's 2026–27 budget, adopted and declared at the council meeting of 17 June 2026. 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.