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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 Whitehorse's budget raises average general rates by that much. The cap applies to the average across all properties, so your own bill can rise or fall by more. Your notice also carries a separate Waste Service Charge, which is not covered by the cap; for 2026–27 the council has lowered it by 3%.

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
General rates: +2.75% (the state cap)The budget raises general rates to $131.63 million, up 2.75% on the annualised 2025–26 base, in line with the cap set by the Minister for Local Government under the Fair Go Rates System. Whitehorse has no municipal charge.
How your general rates are calculated
Capital Improved Value × 0.141395 cents per dollarThe same rate applies to residential, commercial and industrial land. For example, a home valued at $1,000,000 pays $1,413.95 in general rates, before waste charges. All properties were revalued as at 1 January 2026; residential values rose 3.84% on average, and the budget lists the average rate change for each suburb.
Waste Service Charge (2026–27)
$175.80 kerbside + $79.55 public wasteThe Kerbside Waste Service Charge covers the standard 80-litre garbage and 240-litre recycling bins and is paid by properties eligible for the council's kerbside service. The Public Waste Service Charge covers public bins, street and drain cleaning and booked hard waste, and is paid by every property. Both fell 3% from 2025–26. Larger or extra bins and FOGO bins are charged on top (for example, a 120-litre garbage bin adds $77, a 140-litre FOGO bin $75).About the waste charge →
When it's due
4 instalments (30 Sep 2026, 30 Nov 2026, 28 Feb 2027, 31 May 2027), or in full by 15 Feb 2027Due dates on a weekend or public holiday move to the next business day. The council's Payble platform also allows weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments.Payment options →
Interest on overdue rates
Penalty interest rate — currently 10% a year (Penalty Interest Rates Act 1983); check your noticeThe council's rates page doesn't state the rate. It says penalty interest is paused while you're on a payment plan, and the council offers hardship assistance.Payment plans & hardship →
Pensioner concession
50% off rates, up to $272.70, plus $50 off the ESVFFor Pensioner Concession Card holders and DVA Gold Card (War Widow or TPI) holders, on your principal place of residence. Health Care Card holders aren't eligible. Apply by 30 June 2027; if you received it last year and nothing has changed, it is applied automatically.Concessions →
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 budget puts total rates and charges at $159.28 million in 2026–27, up 2.87% on the 2025–26 forecast of $154.84 million; this includes waste charges, supplementary rates and interest. Figures come from the adopted 2026–27 budget (section 6.2.1) and the council's rates pages.

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.