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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 South Gippsland's budget raises average rates by that much; the council didn't apply for a higher cap. The cap applies to the average across all properties, so your own bill can rise or fall by more, depending on your property's value and category. Waste charges aren't capped, and for 2026–27 they changed with the new FOGO service.

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 rates +2.75% (the state cap)The budget's capped average rate is $2,423 per property, up from a base average of $2,358 (budget section 4.1.1(j)). There is no municipal charge.
How your rates are calculated
Capital Improved Value × rate in the dollar2026–27 general rate for residential properties: 0.330876 cents per dollar of CIV. Other categories are set as a share of it: industrial and commercial 105%, farm 65%, vacant rural 70%, vacant residential 150%, vacant commercial and vacant industrial 200%.Council rates →
Kerbside waste charge (2026–27)
$428.20 a year for the standard serviceCovers a weekly 240-litre FOGO bin, a fortnightly 240-litre recycling bin and a fortnightly 120-litre general waste bin. With a 240-litre general waste bin it's $590.20. Extra bins: FOGO $174.40, recycling $91.80, general waste $324.00 a year; recycling-only for non-residential premises $91.80. The council says it sets waste charges on a full cost-recovery basis and that no concessions are available on them. These charges replace the 2025–26 garbage and recycling charges (standard service $313.95) and the separate optional green-waste bin ($113.85).Waste service costs →
When it's due
In full by 15 February, or by instalments starting 30 SeptemberThe council's rates information (2025–26 edition) says rates can be paid in four or nine instalments if the first payment is received by 30 September; otherwise the payment is taken as a part payment and the balance is due by 15 February. FlexiPay allows weekly, fortnightly, monthly or quarterly payments. Pay online, by BPAY (biller code 35097), at a post office, by phone (13 18 16) or by mail. Check your 2026–27 notice for your dates.Pay your rates →
Interest on overdue rates
10% a yearThe council's rates information says interest is charged at 10 per cent a year on amounts not paid by the date the missed payment or instalment was due.
Pensioner concession
State rebate for Pension Concession Card holdersFor your principal place of residence only; apply before 30 June. Health Care and Seniors cards aren't eligible. If the rebate already appears on your notice you don't need to reapply.Concession form →
Financial hardship
Personalised payment plansContact the Rates team on 5662 9200 or council@southgippsland.vic.gov.au, or lodge a hardship application.Hardship application →
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 from 1 July 2025. It isn't council revenue and isn't covered by the rate cap.About the ESVF →

The 2026–27 figures come from the adopted Budget 2026/27 (section 4.1.1) and the council's waste cost page. The council's rates information sheet and FAQ are the 2025–26 editions; the payment and interest rules above are taken from them. 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.