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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 Wangaratta's adopted budget raises the average general rate by that much. 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. Waste charges aren't capped; for 2026–27 they rise by about 6%.

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 +2.75% (the state cap)The budget's total general rates rise 3.54% because the total also includes new and changed properties (supplementary valuations); counted the way the state cap is calculated, the change is 2.75%. Wangaratta doesn't charge a municipal charge.Budget 2026-27 →
How your rates are calculated
Capital Improved Value × rate in the dollar2026–27 rates in the dollar: General 0.003073273; Rural 1 (farming land of 8 ha or more) 0.002151291; Rural 2 (farming land over 40 ha) 0.001843964; Commercial & Industrial 0.004456246; Vacant 0.006146546; Vacant more than 3 years 0.007375855. Eligible cultural and recreational land pays about 60% of the general rate. Valuations as at 1 January 2026 are used (budget section 4.1.1).Your rates explained →
Waste charges (2026–27)
Garbage $240 (140 L) or $424 (240 L); recycling $184 (240 L) or $243 (360 L); organics $220Per property, on your rates notice, up about 6% on 2025–26; the council says rising diesel and contractor costs drove the increase. Rural properties can have a weekly 240 L garbage collection for $859 (budget section 4.1.1(h); the council's rates page lists $836). Organics applies in urban areas. The glass service has no charge in 2026–27. These are service charges, not a capped municipal charge.Waste charges →
When it's due
4 instalments: 30 Sep 2026, 30 Nov 2026, 28 Feb 2027, 31 May 2027The first instalment is due on 30 September or within 14 days of the notice being issued, whichever is later. A due date on a weekend or public holiday moves to the next business day. Pay online, by BPAY, by phone (1300 653 934), at Australia Post, by direct debit or at the Government Centre.Pay your rates →
Interest on overdue rates
10% a yearThe council's payment plans page says interest is charged at 10% per annum until the account is brought up to date. This is the penalty interest rate under the Penalty Interest Rates Act 1983.Payment plans →
Pensioner rebate
50% of council rates, up to $266, plus $50 off the ESVF and $15 off the recycling chargeFor holders of a Pensioner Concession Card or a DVA Gold Card (War Widow or TPI). First-time applicants bring the form, rates notice and card to the Government Centre; the rebate carries over automatically if your circumstances haven't changed.Pensioner assistance →
Payment plans and hardship
Call the rates team on 03 5722 0838Online forms for a payment plan or a financial hardship request. The council also points to free financial counselling services, including the Rural Financial Counselling Service for primary producers.Payment plans & hardship →
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 →

The figures above come from the 2026–27 budget (section 4.1.1), adopted at the May 2026 council meeting, and the council's rates pages. The budget page still calls it the 'proposed' budget while saying it was adopted in May 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.