How are rates calculated?
Council raises general rates through the application of differential rates, i.e. different rates in the dollar for different property classifications.
General rates are calculated by multiplying the Capital Improved Value (CIV) of a property by its applicable rate in the dollar. Adding the fixed charges (e.g. the Municipal Charge) and user-pays charges (e.g. kerbside waste charges) where appropriate, will give you your total rates and charges for the year (excluding arrears and/or interest).
You can use this Microsoft Excel spreadsheet to get an estimate of your rates.
As of 1 July 2025, the Victorian Government has replaced the Fire Services Property Levy with the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund. The FSPL was established to fund the CFA and Fire Rescue Victoria. The ESVF will fund a broader range of agencies including VICSES, Triple Zero Victoria, the State Control Centre, Forest Fire Management Victoria and Emergency Recovery Victoria.
For a residential property with a Capital Improved Value of $450,000 the calculation of the general rate would be as follows:
| Capital Improved Value (CIV) | $450,000 |
|---|---|
| Rate-in-the-Dollar (RID) | 0.00348040 |
| General rate payable (CIV x RID) | $1,566.20* |
* Excludes any additional charges (eg. municipal charge, kerbside waste service charges), levies, arrears or interest.
The following table summarises the differential rates levied for the 2025/2026 rating year. For more details relating to each of the differential rates, refer to the Statutory Disclosures of the Council’s 2025/2026 Budget.
| Differential Rate | How applied | 2025/2026 |
|---|---|---|
| General | Cents in $ of CIV | 0.00348040 |
| Farm Land | Cents in $ of CIV | 0.00278432 |
| Commercial/Industrial | Cents in $ of CIV | 0.00730884 |
| Cultural and Recreational Land | Cents in $ of CIV | 0.00254069 |
If the use of your property has changed, or if you disagree with your property’s differential rate classification as shown on your rate notice, you may apply to the Council for rating reclassification by completing an Application for Rating Reclassification. The completed application must be returned to Council within 30 days of the issuing of your annual rates notice.
Farm Land Rate
If you believe your property should be classified as ‘Farm Land' as defined in the Valuation of Land Act 1960, you may apply to the Council by completing and returning an Application for Farm Rate. The completed application must be returned to Council within 30 days of the issuing of your annual rates notice.
Cultural and Recreational Land Rate
Under the provisions of the Cultural and Recreational Lands Act 1963, the Council levies an amount in lieu of rates payable in respect of recreational lands that have the following characteristics:
Rateable lands developed primarily for regional use as evidenced by paid administrative support and/or commercial business dealings in the operation or management of same.
The amount in lieu of rates payable in respect of each rateable land to which the Cultural and Recreational Land rate applies is determined by multiplying the Capital Improved Value of that rateable land by 0.00254069.
Interest on Rates
Interest will be charged on all balances unpaid after the due dates. If not paid by the respective due dates, then the manner in which interest is charged is on and from the date on which each missed instalment was due, until the account is paid in full.
The penalty interest rate fixed by the Attorney-General is currently 10 per cent per annum.