Calculation of rates

Each property is valued so that we can share the cost of providing these services across the community.
In addition to general rates the following charges may also apply:

• municipal charge
• garbage and recycling service charges.

• fire services property levy

The Revenue and Rating Plan explains how Council calculates the revenue needed to fund its activities, and how the funding burden will be apportioned between ratepayers and other users of Council facilities and services. In particular, the plan sets out decisions that Council has made in relation to rating options available to it under the Local Government Act 2020 to ensure fair and equitable distribution of rates across property owners. It also sets out the principles that are used in decision making for other revenue sources such as fees and charges.

Revenue-and-Rating-Plan(PDF, 1MB)

An objection to Council valuations should include the prescribed information. Before lodging a formal objection form, Council will accept enquiries and try to resolve your concerns.

Upon receipt of an objection, a valuer may discuss the matter with you and either allow or disallow the objection.

If you are not satisfied with the decision you may appeal to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).  Further information can be obtained from the Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure website.

If you object to a valuation you must still ensure the rates are paid by the due date. Failure to pay rates by the due date results in an interest charge.

Objection forms

For more information regarding valuations, please phone Council’s rates office on (03) 5494 1200 or 1300 365 200.

This is a fixed dollar amount on each property to cover some of the administrative costs of the Council and is the same for all properties.  This charge recognises that some benefits apply to all property owners irrespective of property valuation.

Some properties are eligible for an exemption from this charge. (For exemptions for rural properties, please see Municipal Charge Exemption).

Advice of your correct address ensures that we are able to provide you with vital information in a timely manner. This is particularly important for non-residential owners.

Change of mailing address form

The waste service charge is based on a user pays principle. It is budgeted to fully recover the costs of collection, recycling and land fill.  

Why do I have to pay rates?

Each year, Council raises income to provide services and works that help us all enjoy where we have chosen to live. Rates income, which is a significant percentage of Council’s annual income, is supplemented by government grants and income from fees and charges.

When do rates apply?

Rates are levied for the financial year – 1 July each year to 30 June the following year.

When will I receive my notice?

We issue your annual rate notice during August.

If you choose to pay by instalments, your first instalment payment must be received by 30 September. Other instalments are due on 30 November, 28 February and 31 May.

The instalment notice we send you is a reminder only - it is your responsibility to remember to pay even if you have not received this notice.

How will I receive my rate notice?

Currently your rate notices, courtesy letters and other correspondence is sent via Australia Post, however during 2020/21,Council, in an effort to minimise costs and deliver more responsive service to our stakeholders, will be moving towards providing an option of a paperless process for ratepayers. 

This will be a far more efficient and timely way to deliver correspondence to households and allow ratepayers to store the files electronically. 

Council does understand that not every household has access to a computer for email delivery and therefore the normal postal delivery service will still be available. 

If you are interested in having your rate notices delivered via email, please log on to loddon.ezybill.com and register your property.  Once registered, you will receive notifications in your email inbox when a notice has been issued.  You will need a copy of your recent rate notice to register.

What if I don't receive a rate notice?

Please contact Council on (03) 5494 1200 to arrange a duplicate notice.

What if I change my address?

If you change your residential/mailing address, it is important that you:

• notify Council of the change in writing
• ensure that your conveyancer notifies Council of ownership changes.

Failure to do so may lead to you not receiving rate notices, resulting in interest and legal costs being payable due to late or non-payment.

You can advise Council of your new address by:

• writing to the Rates Department, Loddon Shire Council, P.O. Box 21, Wedderburn  Vic 3518
• sending an e-mail to rates@loddon.vic.gov.au
• downloading a copy of the change of address form, filling it out and sending it to the Rates Department, Loddon Shire Council, P.O. Box 21, Wedderburn, Vic, 3518.