East Gippsland Shire Council has issued the 2025/26 Valuation and Rate Notices.
If you do not receive your notice by September 9, contact council for a copy.
Council calculates rates using the Capital Improved Value (CIV) of each property. Different property types (residential, commercial, farming) are charged at different rates.
“Property values are assessed independently by the Valuer-General Victoria and directly affect how much you pay,” mayor Cr John White said.
This year, council has made a decision to limit the rate increase to 2.0 per cent which is below the State Government’s rate cap of 3.0 per cent.
However, individual rates will vary based on updated property valuations and other charges that are outside of the rate cap including the Emergency Services Volunteers Fund Levy (ESVF), a State Government charge collected by council.
Council and the community have raised strong concerns about the introduction of the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF), which has added further financial pressure, particularly on farmers, small businesses, and rural families.
The levy is a State Government charge and the funds collected are forwarded to the Victorian Government.
Contained with the annual valuation and rate notice is a Rates Information Brochure and a hard waste voucher. The brochure explains how rates are used, available payment options, and answers common questions.
“We want to be transparent and help people understand how their rates support services across East Gippsland,” Cr White said.
Council offers flexible payment options, which are shown on your notice and include quarterly instalments. If you want to pay by the quarterly instalments shown on the notice the first payment must be paid by September 30. If you are late with your first payment, contact council and it can ensure you remain on the instalment program.
If you’re having difficulty, reach out early as there are many support options that can be offered.
Property owners can lodge objections if they believe their valuation or classification is incorrect.
Valuation objections close on October 31.
Farm classification reviews and Single Farming Enterprise exemption applications close on December 31.
Council’s rates team will be hitting the road from September 16 to October 22, visiting towns across the region to answer questions and offer in-person support.
