Rates and charges

On 27 June 2023, we declared:

• That a general rate be applied at a uniform rate of 2.7217 per cents in each dollar of the Net Annual Value (NAV) be declared in respect of the 2023–24 financial year.
• a service charge (waste and recycling) of $636 for a 240-litre bin, $318 for a large family or medical 240-litre bin, $318 for a 120-litre bin and $318 for a shared 240-litre bin.
• a service charge (litter management) of $88 for residential properties with private bin services
• a service charge of $65 for additional recycling bins
• a service charge of $43 for an additional green waste bin.

How we calculate your general rates

We calculate the general rate in the dollar by dividing the total rate revenue by the Net Annual Value (NAV) of all rateable assessments (properties). We then apply this rate to all rateable assessments. For example, if total rate revenue is $40 million and our rateable assessments have a total NAV of $950 million, the rate in the dollar is 4.2105 cents in the dollar of NAV. 

To calculate the rate for 2023–24, multiply the property’s NAV as shown on the rate notice by the rate in the dollar, which is 0.027217 or 2.2717 per cent. For example, if your property has a NAV of $25,000 the rate payable would be $680.42 plus any applicable service charges. 

Waste and recycling service charges

Glen Eira’s policy is to levy waste and recycling charges on the basis of cost recovery.

Waste and recycling charges appear on your rate notice for the use of our waste collection service. These charges pay for kerbside waste collection, hard rubbish collection, recycling, waste disposal, and the State Government Landfill Levy — which we must pay when depositing waste at landfill.

Waste and recycling charges are compulsory for residential properties, but optional for commercial properties. They don’t apply to properties with no improvements (vacant land).

See Waste services and pricing for a full list of fees.

Fire Services Property Levy

The Victorian Government sets the Fire Services Property Levy. Everything we collect is passed onto the Victorian Government to fund fire agencies.

Goods and services tax (GST)

Council rates and waste and recycling charges are exempt from GST, pursuant to Div. 81 of the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999.

Special rates

Councils can levy special rates on property owners to help pay for council services or activities that will benefit them. Examples include constructing footpaths, car parks or roads in a particular area, and promoting local businesses.

For more information, visit our Special rates page.

Questions and answers

The Victorian Government’s rate cap system restricts how much councils can collect in rates.

This video explains how rate capping works:

What are the components of my annual Council rates bill?

• General rates (capped at 3.5 per cent)
• Waste and recycling charges (not subject to rate cap)
• Fire Services Property Levy (not subject to rate cap)

Why isn’t my rate bill 3.5 per cent more than last year?

The 3.5 per cent rate cap applies to the average rate per assessment of all rateable properties in the municipality. We then use the average rate to determine the overall revenue we collect. The rate cap does not apply to waste charges or the Fire Services Property Levy, both of which collect revenue for the Victorian Government.

If your property value changed by more than the average in the municipality then your rates will rise by more than 3.5 per cent. If your property value changed by less than the average then your rates will rise by less than 3.5 per cent and may in fact be less than the previous year.

Has Council increased my property's market value to get more rates from me?

We don’t receive extra money if your property value increases. Some ratepayers will pay less than the 3.5 per cent cap and others will pay more.