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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 adopted budget raises rates 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 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
+2.75%, in line with the state capThe budget plans $10.63 million of general rates from 6,354 rateable properties, within the maximum of $10.65 million allowed under the cap (Budget §4.1.1(l)). The cap is set by the Minister for Local Government under the Fair Go Rates System. Pyrenees has no municipal charge.
How your rates are calculated
Capital Improved Value × 0.263237 cents per dollar (residential)For example, a home valued at $400,000 pays about $1,053 in general rates, before the waste charge and the state levy (our arithmetic from the council's rate). Farm land pays 0.184266 cents; commercial and industrial land 0.329046 cents; vacant non-farm land 0.394856 cents; undevelopable land 0.236913 cents; and recreational land 0.263237 cents per dollar. Farms must apply for the farm rate, which is for commercial farming, not hobby farms (Budget §4.1.1(b)).Rates FAQs →
Waste charge (2026–27)
$618 a year with kerbside collectionThe same charge applies in Beaufort and Avoca, where it includes the garden waste bin. A property with a dwelling but no street collection pays a $270 transfer station access charge instead, and vacant land a $110 waste facility levy. Extra kerbside bins cost $150 (landfill), $75 (recycling), $50 (glass) or $75 (garden waste) a year. Waste charges aren't covered by the rate cap.Waste charges →
When it's due
4 instalments — 30 September, 30 November, 28 February and 31 May — or in full by 15 FebruaryIf the first instalment isn't paid by 30 September, the full amount is due by 15 February. Pay by BPAY, Australia Post (in person, on 13 18 16 or online), Centrepay deductions, cheque by mail, or in person at the Beaufort municipal office, the Beaufort Community Resource Centre or the Avoca Information Centre.Payment options →
Interest on overdue rates
10% a yearThe council says unpaid rates incur interest at 10.0%. That is the current penalty interest rate under the Penalty Interest Rates Act 1983.Rates →
Pensioner concession
State concession on your principal homeHolders of a Pensioner Concession Card or DVA Gold Card can apply for the Victorian Government's Municipal Rates Concession, which also covers part of the ESVF. Once granted it is applied automatically each year. Health care card holders aren't eligible.Pension concession →
Payment arrangements and hardship
Call the Revenue team on 1300 797 363The council offers payment arrangements from the time you receive your notice, and can waive or defer rates under its Financial Assistance Policy. Forms for a payment arrangement and for hardship assistance are on its page. The National Debt Helpline (1800 007 007) offers free financial counselling.Financial help →
Also on your notice: ESVF
Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund — a state levyThe council collects it for the Victorian Government and passes it to the State Revenue Office; it isn't council revenue and isn't covered by the rate cap. It replaced the Fire Services Property Levy in 2025. The council has asked, among its 2026 state election priorities, for the levy to be abolished or for councils not to have to collect it.About the ESVF →

Figures come from the council's 2026–27 budget (adopted 29 June 2026) and its rates and waste pages. Valuations are set by valuers appointed by the Valuer-General Victoria; you can object within two months of receiving your rates notice. 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.