How rates are calculated

The application of general rates is based solely on the valuation of your property. Properties with greater improvements pay considerably more rates than those with little or no improvements.

Council multiplies the capital improved valuation of the property by a rate in the dollar which is set as part of our annual budget process, which simply implements the annual rate cap determined by the Minister for Local Government. The rate cap amount for the 2025/26 financial year is 3%. 

Rates for 2025-26 financial year

General property charges

  • General rate* = 0.004812 cents per dollar of capital improved valuation.
  • Commercial rate = 0.006160 cents per dollar of capital improved valuation.
  • Industrial rate = 0.006160 cents per dollar of capital improved valuation.
  • Farm rate = 0.001551 cents per dollar of capital improved valuation.

*Please note, this includes residential and rural non-farming properties. 

Kerbside collection charges

In addition to your general rates listed above, the following charges may also apply in your rates notice. 

  • 120-litre garbage kerbside collection charge: $285 per bin
  • 240-litre recycling kerbside collection charge: $195 per bin
  • (St Arnaud township only) FOGO kerbside collection charge: $52 per bin

In the event you have more than one garage and/or recycling bin, additional garbage services are $164 per bin and additional recycling services are $195 per bin may also apply. 

For more information regarding council's waste services, please visit our waste management page.

Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund charges

From 1 July 2025, the Fire Services Property Levy (FSPL) will be replaced by the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF). This charge will be applied to your next rates notice under the direction of the State Revenue Office. 

All property owners are required to contribute to the ESVF unless you are eligible for a rebate. Like the FSPL, the ESVF will be calculated based on a fixed charge that varies by property type, and a variable charge based on property value.

Fixed charges for 2025/26 financial year:

  • Residential (including vacant residential) = $136
  • Non-residential = $275

Variable charges for 2025/26 financial year:

  • Residential rate: 0.000173 cents per dollar of capital improved valuation
  • Commercial rate: 0.001330 cents per dollar of capital improved valuation
  • Industrial rate: 0.001330 cents per dollar of capital improved valuation
  • Primary production rate: 0.000287 cents per dollar of capital improved valuation

You can find further information about the EVSF and rebates available on our ESVF webpage here.

Contact us

If you would like further information regarding any of your rate charges, please contact our rates team by calling (03) 5358 8710 or by emailing rates@ngshire.vic.gov.au.

Understanding your rate notice

For a detailed description of how to read your rate and valuation notice, please click (PDF, 719KB)here(PDF, 240KB). 

What happens if I don't pay the ESVF?

It is important to understand that council does not have any control over how the money you pay towards your rates notice is distributed. This means you are unable to deny the State Revenue Office the ESVF charge amount, as we are legally obligated to pay a portion of your rates money to the State Government. Whilst the ESVF tax amount is clearly differentiated from council’s general rates and kerbside collection charges on your rates notice, it isn’t possible to charge the ESVF separately. Ratepayers also risk falling into arrears if they try to avoid paying it, which council is then legally obligated to retrieve and will cost you more in the long run.

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