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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 the council's budget raises the average general rate by exactly 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, your waste charges, and the state levy printed on the same notice. The council has no municipal charge.

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%From a base average of $2,227.97 to $2,289.13 per rateable property (Budget §4.1.1(l)). This equals the 2.75% cap set by the Minister for Local Government under the Fair Go Rates System run by the Essential Services Commission.
How your rates are calculated
Capital Improved Value × 0.0025332 (residential)For example, a home valued at $800,000 pays about $2,027 in general rates, before waste charges and the state levy (our arithmetic from the council's rate). Commercial and industrial land pay 0.0037998, farm land 0.0017732 and recreational/cultural land 0.0015199. Values are from the 1 January 2026 revaluation.Rates explained →
Waste charges (2026–27)
Residential base charge $136, plus one charge for each of your 3 binsBin charges depend on size. FOGO: $143 (80 L), $157 (120 L), $201 (240 L). Recycling: $54, $59, $73. Rubbish: $127, $157, $246. The council's example with the three smallest bins totals $460. The base charge covers street and park litter bins, dumped rubbish, hard waste and bundled branch collections, and waste education. Waste charges aren't covered by the rate cap; the council sets them to recover full cost, including the state's EPA landfill levy.Waste charges →
When it's due
4 instalments (September, November, February and May), or in full by 15 February 2027You can also pay weekly, fortnightly or monthly through the council's online payment system, Payble. BPAY biller code 471771.Pay your rates →
Interest on overdue rates
10% a yearThe council states a penalty of 10% a year under the Penalty Interest Rates Act 1983. Interest on a missed instalment runs from its due date.Late payment details →
Pensioner concession
Up to $322.70 in 2026–27The council's page says the state government provides this concession. For Pensioner Concession Card holders and DVA Gold Card (TPI or war widow) holders, on your principal place of residence only.Apply for the rebate →
Financial hardship
Payment plan, or a hardship agreement — call 1300 368 333The council says an accepted hardship agreement defers rates, charges and penalty interest for 24 months and puts debt recovery on hold.Hardship options →
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. The council has said it is asking the state to collect the levy itself.About the ESVF →

Figures come from the council's adopted 2026–27 budget (adopted 9 June 2026) and its rates pages. The council's waste charges page describes the base-plus-bins structure as starting on 1 July 2026; the budget shows the same charge types for 2025–26 as well. 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.