Northern Grampians Shire (VIC) council rates

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 charges (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 $1,889 to $1,941 (Budget §7.3.1(l)). 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. Northern Grampians has no municipal charge.
How your rates are calculated: Capital Improved Value × 0.4744 cents in the dollar (general rate)The general rate covers homes and rural non-farm land. For example, a property valued at $400,000 pays about $1,898 in general rates, before waste charges and the state levy (our arithmetic from the council's rate). Farm land pays 0.1629 cents, and commercial and industrial land 0.6008 cents, in the dollar. The general rate in the dollar is 1.41% lower than in 2025–26 and the farm rate 5.03% higher; the budget's residential property values rose 4.75% and farm values fell 2.07% (Budget §7.3.1(b) and (f)).How rates are calculated →
Kerbside waste charges (2026–27): $565 a year for a 120-litre rubbish bin ($371) and a 240-litre recycling bin ($194)The garbage charge rose by $86 (30.2%) and the recycling charge fell by $1. St Arnaud households also pay $67 for FOGO (up $15). An extra rubbish bin is $169 and an extra recycling bin $194. The council says the rise reflects a new waste contract and higher collection costs, and that waste charges will keep rising over the next three budgets. Waste charges aren't covered by the rate cap.Why waste charges rose →
When it's due: 4 instalments — 30 September 2026, 30 November 2026, 1 March 2027 and 31 May 2027Or arrange fortnightly or monthly direct debit with the rates team. BPAY (reference on your notice); by post (cheque to PO Box 580, Stawell VIC 3380); in person at the Stawell or St Arnaud offices; or through Australia Post. Notices can be emailed through EzyBill or BPAY View.Pay your rates →
Interest on overdue rates: 10% a yearThe council says instalments not paid by the due date may incur interest at 10% a year. That is the current penalty interest rate under the Penalty Interest Rates Act 1983.
Pensioner concession: Up to $272.70 off your rates in 2026–27For holders of a Pensioner Concession Card or DVA Gold Card (TPI or War Widow), on the principal home where the pensioner is the ratepayer. Funded by the Victorian Government's Municipal Rates Concession. Eligible pensioners also get $50 off the ESVF. A Health Care Card doesn't qualify.Rebates and exemptions →
Financial hardship: Payment plans and hardship relief — (03) 5358 8710 or rates@ngshire.vic.gov.auThe council has a Personal Financial Hardship Policy and can refer you to a free independent financial counsellor.Financial hardship assistance →
Also on your notice: ESVF: Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund — a state levyA fixed charge ($139 for residential and $282 for non-residential properties in 2026–27) plus an amount based on your property's value. The council collects it for the State Revenue Office and keeps none of it. 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 2026–27 Annual Budget (adopted at the council meeting in St Arnaud on 23 June 2026) and its rates 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.