← West Wimmera Shire Council
Rates & fees

Rates & fees

Victoria caps how much a council can raise its average rates each year. For 2026–27 the cap, set by the Minister for Local Government and published by the Essential Services Commission, is 2.75%, and West Wimmera's adopted Budget raises the average general rate and the municipal charge by that amount. The cap limits the council's average rate rise, not your individual bill, and it covers general rates and the municipal charge only — the waste charges and the state's Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund on the same notice are outside it.

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 cap
2.75%The Budget raises about $8.09 million in general rates and $532,000 in municipal charges across 4,770 rateable assessments, and $9.527 million in total rates and charges including waste charges.
How your general rate is worked out
Capital improved value (CIV) × $0.00142841One uniform general rate applies to all rateable land — residential, rural, commercial and industrial (2025–26: $0.0013366). The council's own example: a property valued at $150,000 pays $214.26 in general rates, before the municipal charge, waste charges and the ESVF.
Why your bill can change by more or less than 2.75%
Your property value relative to othersThe cap applies to the council's total general rates, not to the rate in the dollar. In the 2026–27 Budget total land value falls 3.91% (rural land −4.78%, residential +8.92%) while the rate in the dollar rises 6.87%; total general rates rise 2.73%. Properties whose value moved differently from the Shire average will see a different change.
Municipal charge
$180.25 per rateable property (2025–26: $175)Properties that form part of a single farm enterprise can apply to pay the municipal charge on only one assessment in each council.Single farm enterprise →
Waste charges (2026–27, outside the rate cap)
Urban 120-litre service $421.50 plus urban glass bin $63; rural 120-litre service $495; commercial 240-litre service $651Up from $399, $60, $467 and $620. Levied on every improved property inside the declared service areas, whether or not the service is used; properties outside them are not charged.
Due dates
Four instalments: 30 September 2026, 30 November 2026, 28 February 2027 and 31 May 2027 — or in full by 15 February 2027FlexiPay lets you make a one-off payment or set up weekly, fortnightly, monthly or quarterly payments by card or bank account, using the eNotices reference number on your notice. Notices can be received by email.
Interest on late payments
Not stated by the council — 10% a year is the legal maximumThe council's pages mention penalty interest on overdue amounts but don't state the rate. Victorian councils may charge up to the rate fixed under the Penalty Interest Rates Act 1983, which has been 10% a year since 1 February 2017. Your notice shows the rate applied.
Pensioner concession
2026–27: 50%, up to $272.50 a yearFor holders of a Pensioner Concession Card, or a DVA Gold Card marked War Widow or TPI, on their principal place of residence. A Health Care Card does not qualify. Apply on the council's form, in person at Edenhope or Kaniva, by post or by email to rates@westwimmera.vic.gov.au.Concession details →
Help if you're struggling to pay
Call the rates team on 13 99 72The council has a Financial Hardship Policy and can negotiate a payment plan; as a minimum, payments must cover the year's rates and any interest within 12 months, and ratepayers who can't meet that are assessed under the hardship provisions. The free National Debt Helpline is 1800 007 007.Hardship help →
Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF)
A state levy collected on your rates noticeReplaced the Fire Services Property Levy from 1 July 2025. The council collects it for the State Government; it is not council revenue and is not covered by the rate cap. Eligible pensioner and DVA Gold Card holders get $50 off, active CFA and VICSES volunteers can apply for a rebate, and single farm enterprises pay one fixed charge. The council says it has voiced concerns to the State Government about the levy's impact.About the ESVF →
Disagree with your valuation?
Object within two months of your valuation and rates noticeThrough the state's Rating Valuation Objection Portal. You must still pay your rates by the due date while the objection is considered.Object to a valuation →

The rate cap limits the council's average rate rise, not each household's bill. Figures are from the council's 2026–27 Budget and the rates resolution adopted at its 17 June 2026 meeting, and from its rates pages (checked September 2026); confirm against your notice.

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.