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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 general rates and municipal charge. For 2026–27 the cap is 2.75%, and Wellington's budget says its average general rate rises in line with it. The cap applies to the average across all properties, so your own bill can rise or fall by more, depending on your property's valuation. Waste charges aren't capped: the kerbside charge rose by 24.1% for 2026–27, the year FOGO started.

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 rates in line with the 2.75% capFrom the adopted 2026–27 Budget (section 4.1.1). The rate in the dollar is unchanged from 2025–26; property valuations rose by 3.3% in total.
How your rates are calculated
Capital Improved Value × rate in the dollar, plus waste charges2026–27 rates in the dollar of CIV: general (residential) 0.003610; commercial/industrial 0.003610 (the same); farm 0.002889 (80% of the general rate). The 2026–27 rates and charges tables list no municipal charge. Property values are set by the Valuer-General Victoria each year.Rates calculations →
Waste charges (2026–27)
Kerbside Garbage Charge $366 · Waste Infrastructure Charge $90 · EPA Levy Charge $23The Garbage Charge (up from $295) and EPA Levy Charge (down from $26.40) apply to properties with a kerbside service. The Waste Infrastructure Charge (up from $70) is paid by all ratepayers, farms included (once per single farm enterprise), and funds landfill and transfer station works such as new landfill cells and capping. Optional extra bins, new in 2026–27: 120L general rubbish $169 (plus $23 EPA levy), 240L general rubbish $336 (plus $46), 240L recycling $61, 240L FOGO $83. Waste charges aren't covered by the rate cap.Waste charges →
When it's due
4 instalments: 30 September, 30 November, end of February and 31 MayThe council says it doesn't offer a single annual payment in February: each instalment must be paid by its date. Its payments page still shows the 2025–26 dates, so check your notice. Notices go out at the end of July. You can also pay weekly, fortnightly or monthly through the council's Payble platform, by BPAY (biller code 41293), at Australia Post, or at the Sale and Yarram service centres.Payment options →
Interest on overdue rates
Penalty interest rate — currently 10% a year (Penalty Interest Rates Act 1983); check your noticeNo interest is charged while an agreed payment plan is active.
Pensioner concession
Up to $322.70 on your principal place of residence (2026–27)In the council's words, eligible pensioners 'may receive a discount of up to $322.70 (which includes $50.00 towards the Fire Services Property Levy)'. For holders of a Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card or a DVA Gold Card; apply on a form from a council service centre.Concessions →
Financial hardship
Payment plans and hardship applicationsPayment plans can be set up through Payble or by phoning 1300 366 244. A Financial Hardship Application doesn't reduce your rates, but the council says it may stop interest or other action if you fall behind.Payment help →
Also on your notice: ESVF
Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund — a state levyThe council collects it for the Victorian Government and passes it all on; it isn't council revenue and isn't covered by the rate cap. The council says it doesn't support the change from the Fire Services Property Levy and is advocating against it with other rural and regional councils.About the ESVF →

The figures above come from the adopted 2026–27 Budget (section 4.1.1) and the council's rates pages. The council announced on 17 June 2026 that it had adopted the budget; the published PDF's Mayor's introduction still carries a 'Draft' heading. 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.