Wellington Shire Council's vision is for happy people, healthy environment and thriving communities.
After Hours Emergency
1300 366 244The total value of your property is called the Capital Improved Value (CIV). This value includes the land plus all buildings or other improvements.
Example:
General Rate = CIV of $200,000 x 0.003610 = $722.00
Garbage Charge = $295.00
Waste Infrastructure Charge = $70.00
EPA Levy Charge = $26.50
Total Rates = $1,113.50
Council uses a differential rating system. Farming businesses pay 80% of the general rate, their CIV will be multiplied by 0.002889.
General Rate
0.003610 rate in the dollar
Plus $295.00 garbage rate per service (where appropriate)
Plus $70.00 Waste Infrastructure Charge
Plus $26.50 EPA Levy Charge
Farm Rate
0.002889 rate in the dollar
Plus $70.00 Waste Infrastructure Charge
Commercial Rate
0.003610 rate in the dollar (same as general rate)
Plus $295.00 garbage rate per service (where appropriate)
Plus $70.00 Waste Infrastructure Charge
Plus $26.50 EPA Levy Charge
You will notice a waste infrastructure charge on your rates notice. In order to comply with EPA requirements, state legislation and sound waste management practice, we have levied a charge for waste infrastructure to specifically fund sustainable waste facilities within Wellington Shire.
The charge is $70.00 for the 2025/26 rating period.
Where a single farm enterprise is conducted on several properties within the Shire, only one charge is payable for that farm enterprise on the principal place of residence. Please note however, that additional dwellings are not eligible for an exemption.
Property owners who hold a current Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card or Veterans Affairs Gold Card may qualify for a Municipal Rates Concession discount from the Department of Health & Human Services, issued by Local Government.
For the 2025-2026 financial year: Eligible pensioners may receive a discount of up to $316.00 (which includes $50.00 towards the Fire Services Property Levy) in respect of their principal place of residence.
In order to receive this discount, an application form must be submitted which is available from all Wellington Shire Council Service Centres. If you would like to check your eligibility prior to completing an application form with us, please visit the Victorian Government's Concessions & benefits | Rates and property page.
In addition, eligible applicants may also be entitled to a retrospective rebate from the previous year.
Property owners contribute, via council rates, to support emergency and disaster response services.
The Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) will be collected by local councils and appear on your council rates notice. It will replace the Fire Service Property Levy.
Please go to the here for more information: Emergency services and volunteers fund | State Revenue Office
The EPA Levy charge is in place to cover the costs levied by the Environment Protection Authority on the operation of landfills, not otherwise recouped. It is levied on each property to which a Garbage Charge is applied, at the rate of one EPA Levy Charge for each Garbage Charge. The charge for the 2025/26 rating period is $26.50.