Latrobe City ratepayers will start receiving their 2026/27 rates notices from late August.
Latrobe City Council Mayor, Councillor Sharon Gibson said like any bill, none of us like paying rates, yet rates help Council deliver essential services as well as build and maintain community assets.
”Rates make up around 47 percent of Council’s total revenue and help fund the essential services Council staff deliver every day," Cr Gibson said.
“Your 2026/27 rates will also help fund Council’s $90.4 million capital works program, which includes some major projects like a multi-use pavilion at Gaskin Park, Churchill and preschool renewals at Boolarra and Glengarry.
“There will also be public hall renewal works at Newborough and Churchill, resurfacing of the Joe Carmody Athletics Track, road maintenance works, facility upgrades and playground renewals.
“Our community may be surprised to learn that Latrobe City Council has the lowest average rates and the second-lowest waste service charge of all councils in Gippsland.
“This reflects Council’s commitment to keeping rates as affordable as possible for our ratepayers, especially in the current cost of living crisis with escalating grocery, utility and fuel prices.”
Cr Gibson said it was important for ratepayers to know that rates were made up of both Council and Victorian Government charges.
The Victorian Government charges collected by Council on behalf of the government include the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund Levy.
Rates are paid by property owners and are calculated based on a property’s value and classification, such as residential, commercial or farmland. As a result, individual rates can increase or decrease depending on changes to valuations and classifications.
Ratepayers can now go paperless and access their current and previous rates notices online by signing up for eRates at erates.latrobe.vic.gov.au
Ratepayers experiencing difficulty paying their rates are encouraged to contact Council to discuss available payment arrangements and support options. More information is available at www.latrobe.vic.gov.au or by phoning 1300 367 700.