Your general rates are calculated using two factors: the value of your property (Capital Improved Value or CIV) and the rate set by Council each year through the budget process (rate in the dollar). Your rates notice may also include separate charges such as the Municipal Charge, waste charges and the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF). To learn more, visit our Rates and charges explained page.

Capital Improved Value (CIV) is the total value of your land and any buildings or improvements on it. Your property's CIV is determined by an independent valuer appointed by Valuer-General Victoria and is shown on your rates notice.
 

Rates help fund local infrastructure and services used by the community every day, including roads, footpaths, parks, gardens, libraries, community facilities, recreation services and waste collection. Rates are not a direct fee for service. They help fund services and infrastructure that benefit the whole municipality.

Also, read our Annual Budget to learn how we intend to spend your rates in the financial year ahead.

The Municipal Charge is a separate charge that helps cover some of the administrative costs of running Council. Including a Municipal Charge helps distribute these costs more evenly across ratepayers. Learn more about rates and charges.
 

The Victorian Government rate cap limits the average amount of rates revenue Council can collect overall. It does not limit increases for individual properties. If your property value increased more than the municipal average, your rates may increase by more than the rate cap. Waste charges and the ESVF are also not included in the rate cap calculation. 

Regional councils generally maintain larger areas of roads, parks and community infrastructure while serving fewer residents. This means costs are spread across a smaller number of ratepayers than in many metropolitan areas.
 

Your property is valued by an independent valuer appointed by Valuer-General Victoria. Valuations are used to determine how rates are distributed across all properties in the municipality. Visit our Valuations page to learn more about how property valuations are completed.

If you believe your property valuation is incorrect, you can lodge an objection. Objections must be lodged within 60 days of the issue date shown on your rates notice. We encourage you to contact the Rates team if you have questions before submitting an objection. 

Learn more about objecting to your property valuation. 

AVPCC stands for Australian Valuation Property Classification Code. It identifies how your property is used, for example residential, commercial, industrial or farming. This classification may affect how some charges are calculated.

If you believe your property's Australian Valuation Property Classification Code (AVPCC) is incorrect, you have the right to lodge an objection.

If you believe your property has been classified incorrectly, you must lodge your objection within 60 days of the issue date shown on your rates notice.

We encourage you to contact the Rates team before lodging an objection so we can discuss your circumstances and explain the objection process.

For more information, visit our Rates Objections page.

A supplementary notice is issued when a change to a property affects its value and results in an adjustment to rates. This may occur after building a house, shed or garage, major renovations, installing a swimming pool or other improvements that increase the property’s value. Sometimes improvements completed in previous years are only identified during a later valuation review and are then reflected in the property’s value.

If you are having difficulty making a payment by the due dates, please contact us as early as possible. Depending on your circumstances, we may be able to discuss a payment arrangement, extension of time or other support options.

We understand that financial circumstances can change. Depending on your situation, Council may be able to offer a payment plan, a short-term extension, or assistance through our hardship process. The sooner you contact the Rates team, the more options may be available.

If you believe you are entitled to a refund, complete a Rates Refund Application[RM12.1] and provide any supporting documentation requested by Council.

Your property may qualify for the farm differential rate if it is primarily used for a genuine commercial farming operation that aims to make a profit. Supporting evidence of farming activities and business operations will be required as part of the assessment process. If you think your property may qualify, contact the Rates team[RM13.1] to discuss your circumstances

Eligible pensioners and veterans may be entitled to concessions on their principal place of residence. Please visit Latrobe.vic.gov.au/ratesconcession or more information
Some farming enterprises may qualify for exemptions relating to municipal charges or ESVF fixed charges. 

See the single farming enterprise application form for more information Certain CFA and VICSES volunteers may also be eligible for State Government rebates. Visit service.vic.gov.au/evrs  for more information

The ESVF is a Victorian Government levy that helps fund emergency services and volunteer organisations. Council collects this levy on behalf of the Victorian Government. Find out more about the ESVF.

Yes. Council is required by law to collect the ESVF on behalf of the Victorian Government. Payments made on your rates notice are applied proportionally across all charges, including the ESVF.

You cannot object to the ESVF itself because it is a State Government charge. However, you may be able to object to the valuation or classification (AVPCC) information used to calculate the charge if you believe it is incorrect.