2026/27 rates notices distributed

Published on 31 August 2026

Gannawarra Shire landowners will start receiving their municipal rates notices for 2026/27 from this week.

Work has been undertaken throughout August to prepare for the delivery of 6,000 municipal rates notices to landowners, with each notice including a brochure outlining how your rates are calculated and a message about how your rates contribute to the Council budget.

“Municipal rates is one of the major ways Council’s services and projects are funded,” Council Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Rollinson said.

“As per the State Government’s Fair Go Rates system, Council cannot increase the amount of revenue received via municipal rates by more than 2.75 per cent compared to the previous year. This means that we are having to look at all elements of our services and projects to ensure they are fiscally responsible.”

The 2026/27 rates notice also outline the amount landowners will contribute to the Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund (ESVF) levy, which Council is legally required to collect on behalf of the State Government.

This State Government charge, which replaced the Fire Services Property Levy at the end of 2024/25, supports the work of a broad range of emergency services, including Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES), Triple Zero Victoria, Emergency Management Victoria, Forest Fire Management Victoria, Emergency Recovery Victoria, Fire Rescue Victoria and Country Fire Authority (CFA).

“Council continues to oppose the introduction of the ESVF in its current form and is taking every opportunity to object to this levy on behalf of our community,” Mr Rollinson said.

“When any payment is made, Council must allocate a portion of the payment towards all components of the rates that have been raised, including the ESVF levy. If you choose not to pay the ESVF levy, Council is legislated to charge interest and take steps to recover any outstanding amounts.”

Ratepayers who have questions about the ESVF levy are encouraged to contact the State Revenue Office ESVF Support Line on 1300 819 033 or visit www.sro.vic.gov.au/esvf

Ratepayers may choose to pay their rates in full, with payment due by mid-February 2027. The most popular option is by instalments, with the first instalment payment due by Wednesday, 30 September. Ratepayers also have the option to make payments on a weekly, fortnight or monthly basis if that is preferable. These options can be discussed by contacting Council.

For those ratepayers who are experiencing financial hardship, they are encouraged to contact Council on (03) 5450 9333 as early as possible to request a payment plan.

For more information about Gannawarra Shire Council’s municipal rates, including lodging an objection, please visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/rates