How your rates bill is calculated
Each year Council determines how much it needs to raise from rates and charges to fund and improve our Shire’s facilities and services.
Council then divides this required revenue by the total Capital Improved Value (CIV) of all rateable properties to create a rate in the dollar. (This rate cannot exceed the rate cap created by Victoria’s Essential Services Commission.) This rate is then applied to the Capital Improved Value of your property to determine your general rates.
Different rates are applied to different property types. This is called differential rating.
Waste management (fixed) charges, plus the Victorian Government’s Fire Services Levy, are added to create your total rates bill.
Watch this video for further clarification on how your rates are calculated and how rate capping works.
Waste and other charges
In addition to your general rates, other charges may also be included in your rates bill.
They are:
Waste Management Charge $213
This is levied on all properties to help fund the cost of maintaining waste disposal facilities in the Shire. It is not used to fund garbage collection and disposal.
Residential Garbage Charge $196
This covers the cost of collecting and disposing of domestic garbage from all dwellings within defined garbage collection areas in our Shire. The charge is compulsory for dwellings whether the service is used or not. The service uses a 120-litre wheelie bin.
Rural Garbage Charge $169
This charge covers the actual cost of collecting and disposing of domestic garbage from all dwellings within defined collections areas. This charge is compulsory for dwellings who have not opted out of the fortnightly collection service. A 140-litre mobile garbage bin is the only approved container to be used for garbage collection. Each household is responsible for providing their own bin.
Commercial Garbage Charge $459
Council garbage service to commercial properties is optional. Operators of these properties can choose to make their own arrangements to have their garbage removed. However, where the Council service is used, a higher charge (than for residential and rural garbage services) applies and a 240-litre wheelie bin is the approved receptacle for this service. Council has new 240-litre wheelie bins available for sale for a fee. For more information on our rubbish service visit commercial waste.
Recycling Charge $126
This charge, like the residential garbage charge, covers the cost of collecting recyclables. A 240-litre wheelie bin is provided by Council for collecting your recyclable materials.
Property Based Fire Services Levy-Fixed and Variable
This is the Victorian Government's property-based levy to fund firefighting services in Victoria. All property owners pay the levy at the same time as they pay council rates. Council collects the levy through rate notices on behalf of the State Government. The levy is calculated based on the capital improved value of your property. It consists of a fixed component plus a variable component.
The Fixed Levy is $113 for residential properties and $230 for non-residential properties.
The Variable Levy will differ for property types such as residential, industrial, commercial and primary production. This portion of the levy is calculated as a percentage of CIV. Eligible pensioners are entitled to a $50 rebate against the Fire Services Levy for their principal place of residence.
Municipal and Environmental Charge
The fixed fee for both the Municipal Charge and the Environmental Charge has been abolished.
How to read your rates notice
(PDF, 289KB)