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 general rates and municipal charge. For 2026–27 the cap is 2.75%, and Strathbogie's adopted budget raises the average rate per property by 2.75%. The cap applies to the average across all properties, so your own bill can rise or fall by more, depending on how your property's value moved compared with others. Kerbside waste charges aren't capped. The council says 2026–27 rates notices were delayed by a technical issue and were due to be issued by Friday 25 September 2026.
New to these terms? Read them in plain English
- Pensioner rebate
- A discount on rates for eligible pensioners.
Rates at a glance
- 2026–27 rate rise
- Average rate per property: +2.75% (cap 2.75%)The budget's Fair Go Rates table (section 4.1.1(j)) gives a base average rate of $2,539 and a capped average rate of $2,609 across 8,154 rateable properties, with budgeted general rates of $21,262,219. Total rates and charges, including waste, are budgeted at $25,048,879.2026–27 Budget (PDF) →
- How your rates are calculated
- Capital Improved Value × rate in the dollar, by property typeFive differential rates, set as a share of the residential rate: residential 100%, farm 80%, commercial/industrial 120%, and vacant residential and vacant commercial land 210%. The budget's 2026–27 rates in the dollar are residential 0.00322444, farm 0.00257955, commercial 0.00386933 and vacant land 0.00677132 per $ of CIV — the adopted budget calls these estimates, to be recalculated once the 2026 revaluation is finalised so the 2.75% cap is met. The budget's rates tables list no municipal charge. Farming properties of 2 to 40 hectares that earn an income can apply for the farm rate.Rates and valuations →
- Kerbside waste charges (2026–27)
- Kerbside/recycling/organics charge $740 (up from $637)The budget (section 4.1.1(g)) lists kerbside collection at $495 for an 80 or 120 litre bin and $970 for a 240 litre bin, and recycling and glass at $245. The charge is compulsory for homes in the township collection zones and applies to other properties that opt in. These charges aren't covered by the rate cap.Budget section 4.1.1 →
- When it's due
- 4 instalments: 15 October 2026, 15 December 2026, 1 March 2027 and 31 May 2027As given on the council's rates page (September 2026 update). Pay by card through the council's BPoint portal, by BPAY or at Australia Post using the reference on your notice, by phone on 1800 065 993, or in person at the Euroa or Nagambie office. Notices can be emailed through the council's eNotices sign-up.Make a payment →
- Interest on overdue rates
- Not stated on the council's rates pagesThe pages we read (checked Sep 2026) don't state the council's interest rate. Victorian councils can charge interest on overdue rates at up to 10% a year, the rate set under the Penalty Interest Rates Act 1983; check your notice. The council says interest stops if it agrees a weekly, fortnightly or monthly payment plan with you.Rates FAQs →
- Pensioner concession
- Rebate on council rates, plus $50 off the ESVFFor holders of a Pensioner Concession Card or a DVA Gold Card (TPI or War Widow/er) who live at the property and are responsible for the rates. Health Care Card and Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders aren't eligible. The budget gives the rebate as $266 in 2025–26. Apply with the council's form.Apply for a concession →
- Trouble paying
- Call the Rates Department on 1800 065 993The council offers payment plans, and invites anyone, fire-affected or not, who is having difficulty with payment timeframes to discuss alternative arrangements.Payment options →
- Bushfire-affected properties
- Revaluations after the January 2026 Longwood fireProperties in the fire-affected area had instalments deferred in 2025–26 while damage assessments and revaluations were done by the Valuer-General's contractor. Owners can object to a supplementary valuation within 60 days. For 2026–27, values of fire-affected properties may be reduced or changed.Council update (18 Jun 2026) →
- Also on your notice: ESVF
- Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund — a state levyThe council says the ESVF is not a council charge: it collects it for the Victorian Government as required by law. It replaced the Fire Services Property Levy on 1 July 2025 and isn't covered by the rate cap. The budget says the council is advocating for a three-year ESVF waiver for properties directly affected by the bushfire.About the ESVF (SRO) →
The 2026–27 figures come from the Annual Budget Report the council adopted on 16 June 2026 (section 4.1.1). That document notes the 2026 general revaluation was still being finalised, so the rates in the dollar may differ on your notice; the average increase is capped at 2.75% either way. Instalment dates are from the council's rates page. Check your own notice for your figures.
Sources — check it yourself
- Strathbogie Shire Council — Annual Budget Report 2026–27, adopted 16 June 2026, section 4.1.1 Rates and charges (PDF) · 2026–27
- Strathbogie Shire Council — Budget adopted to deliver services, infrastructure and financial stability (22 Jun 2026) · Jun 2026
- Strathbogie Shire Council — Rates and Valuations (September update, concessions, farm differential) · Sep 2026
- Strathbogie Shire Council — Rates FAQs · Sep 2026
- Strathbogie Shire Council — Make a Payment · Sep 2026
- Strathbogie Shire Council — Rates notice clarification for bushfire-impacted residents (18 Jun 2026) · Jun 2026
- Essential Services Commission — Annual council rate caps (2026–27: 2.75%) · Sep 2026
- State Revenue Office — Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund · Sep 2026
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.