Skip to main content

Rates, valuation and charges

Rates are a general purpose levy, which contribute to more than 120 services plus essential infrastructure such as roads, footpaths, parks, gardens, libraries and sports facilities.

Couple looking at rates on laptop

I'd like to...

Pay a rates account

There are several payment options available to pay your rates account. 

Request a rates notice reprint

There are a number of ways to obtain information about your property. 

Update your name and address

Ensure your details are up to date. 

Pay by direct debit

You can use direct debit to pay various accounts with us.  

Apply for a pensioner rates rebate

Your application for a pensioner rates rebate can be done online or in person at any of our Customer Service Centres.

Object to a property valuation

You will need to follow a statutory process to formally object to your property valuation.

Register for rates online

View your rates notice instantly and sign up to pay your rates by direct debit.

Register for rates online

Your rates notice

Ways to pay your rates notice

You will need to make payment by certain dates, depending on the payment option you choose.

What charges are included in your notice

There are a number of additional fees and charges on your rates notice. 

How rates are calculated

We, like many other Councils, have chosen the Capital Improved Value (CIV) for the calculation of rates. The date of valuation is assessed as 1 July 2025.

Your responsibilities - property ownership and mailing address

Ratepayers are legally required to advise the City of any changes in ownership and mailing address.

Rates assistance and hardships

There are a number of different arrangements for rate payment depending on your personal situation.

By Instalments

If you choose to pay your rates by instalments, the first instalment amount must be paid in full by 30 September. 

Deferral

A rates deferral may be possible if you are experiencing financial hardship.

Pensioner rebates

Should you hold an eligible pension card, you may be eligible for a rates rebate on your property.

Personal arrangements

An agreement for rates payments can be made if you are experiencing financial difficulty.  

Waivers

A rates waiver may be possible if your valuation has increased over 50 percent (excluding building works) and you are a pensioner or have a taxable income below $65,189.00 for 2025-2026 financial year.

Farm rate rebate

For the 2025-2026 rating period, properties classified as working commercial farms are eligible for a lower rating differential which is 48.1% of the residential rate. Hobby or lifestyle properties are not eligible.

Unpaid rates

You need to pay your rates each year. The rate notice we send advises you of the payment options and the relevant due dates that apply.

Over payments

Overpayment of rates can occur at settlement of a property or simply by making a duplicate payment in error.

Property valuations

Every year a general property revaluation is conducted by the Valuer-General Victoria. These valuations are provided to the City for rating purposes.

Valuation objections

After we issue your rates notice, formal valuation objections must be made to us in relation to the values of a property, or on other grounds as specified in the Valuation of Land Act 1960.

Land tax

The State Revenue Office also uses the Valuer-General Victoria supplied land (site) value in its assessment for any land tax.

Object to your property valuation

You will need to follow a statutory process to formally object to your property valuation.

Download your rates brochure

To deliver our diverse range of community and business services, we collect rates and charges from all property owners in the municipality. 

Download

See also

Budget

Council adopted the 2025-26 to 2028-29 Budget on Tuesday 24 June 2025.

Rate capping

State Government has set a two point seven five rate cap, which the City has met.
Page last updated: