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 Wyndham's budget raises the average general rate and the municipal charge by that much. The cap applies to the average across all properties, so your own bill can rise or fall by more. It moves with your property's value compared with everyone else's, the waste charge, and the state levy printed on the same notice.
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 general rates + municipal charge: +2.75%The budget's rate-cap table gives a base average rate of $2,046.75 per property for 2026–27, against a capped average of $2,047.72. General rates revenue rises by more than 2.75% (5.4% on the 2025–26 forecast) because properties that first came into rating during 2025–26 are rated for the full year.
- How your rates are calculated
- Capital Improved Value × 0.2147 cents per dollar (developed land)The 2026–27 rate in the dollar for developed (residential) land is 0.002147, 3.11% lower than 2025–26 after revaluation. The council's example: a $500,000 property pays $1,073.50 in general rates. Wyndham uses differential rates, so vacant land, commercial, industrial, farm and rural land each have their own rate.
- Municipal charge (2026–27)
- $72.25 per rateable propertyUp $1.93 (2.75%). It is inside the rate cap.
- Waste management charge (2026–27)
- $487.00 per propertyUp from $461.80 (+5.46%); the budget says the rise is mainly driven by fuel prices. Waste charges aren't covered by the rate cap. The charge covers the kerbside bins, three hard and green waste collections and one free tip trip.
- When it's due
- 4 instalments (30 Sep, 30 Nov, 28 Feb, 31 May), or in full by 30 SepDirect debit is available on the instalment dates, monthly (10 payments from September) or fortnightly (20 payments from September). The minimum BPAY payment is $20.Payment options →
- Interest on overdue rates
- Penalty interest rate — currently 10% a yearThe rate fixed under the Penalty Interest Rates Act 1983. Wyndham's rates pages say interest may be charged if you don't pay on schedule but don't state the rate; check your notice.
- Pensioner concession
- Municipal rates concession rebate (state-funded)For your principal place of residence, if you hold a Pensioner Concession Card or a DVA Gold Card (War Widow/er or TPI). Not available to Health Care Card or Seniors Card holders. The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing sets the amount; apply through the council.Apply for the rebate →
- Help paying
- Payment plans, extensions and hardship considerationFor owner-occupiers in financial hardship, options can include waiving penalty interest or legal costs, a payment arrangement, or deferring part of the rates. Call 1300 023 411 or email mail@wyndham.vic.gov.au.Get help paying →
- Sanctuary Lakes rebate
- $247.50 per rateable property (2026–27)The estate's owners corporation carries out some public works and services, so the council rebates what it would otherwise have spent there.
- Also on your notice: ESVF
- Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund — a state levyThe council lists it among the extra charges on your rates notice, but it is a state levy collected by the State Revenue Office. It replaced the Fire Services Property Levy. It isn't council revenue and isn't covered by the rate cap.About the ESVF →
Figures come from the adopted Annual Plan and Budget 2026–27 (section 4.1). Your own notice shows your property's valuation, rate category and charges.
Sources — check it yourself
- Wyndham City Council — Annual Plan and Budget 2026–27, section 4.1 Rates and charges (PDF) · 2026–27
- Wyndham City Council — How we calculate your rates · Sep 2026
- Wyndham City Council — Pay your rates · Sep 2026
- Wyndham City Council — Get help with paying your rates · Sep 2026
- Wyndham City Council — Rebates for concession card holders · Sep 2026
- Essential Services Commission — Annual council rate caps (2026–27: 2.75%) · Sep 2026
- Supreme Court of Victoria — Penalty interest rates · 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.