2024/25 Rates notice distribution begins

City of Ballarat ratepayers will receive their rates notices for the 2024/25 financial year in the coming weeks.

The City of Ballarat has adopted the rate cap of 2.75 per cent set by the State Government. This means that the City of Ballarat’s total rates revenue will increase by this amount.  

Individual property rate charges will vary and may be higher or lower than the rate cap depending on individual property valuation movements. 

Valuations are determined annually by the Valuer General Victoria and not by the City of Ballarat. The key factor in determining the change in rates each ratepayer pays is how their property value has moved in comparison to the average movement of properties in the City of Ballarat local government area.  

City of Ballarat rates and charges notices generally include three separate components.

1. General rates - the amount that is calculated on the valuation of each property.  
2. Service rates and charges – for waste collection services.  
3. Fire Services Property Levy (FSPL) – a State Government charge that is collected by the City of Ballarat and passed back to the State Government.

While more than 50 per cent of residential property owners within the municipality will receive a decrease in City of Ballarat general rates compared to last year, only about 22 per cent will receive a lower overall bill on their rates notice. This is due to an increase in the State Government’s Fire Services Property Levy and the seven per cent waste increase. 


Breakdown of valuation shifts and rates for various property types:

Residential properties – 53 per cent of residential properties will have a reduction in their general rates.

• 17 per cent of residential properties will have an increase in general rates of less than the 2.75 per cent rate cap.  
• 30 per cent of residential properties will have an increase in general rates of more than the 2.75 per cent rate cap.

Commercial properties – 13 per cent of commercial properties will have a reduction in general rates.

• 39 per cent of commercial properties will have an increase in general rates of less than the 2.75 per cent rate cap.
• 48 per cent of commercial properties will have an increase in general rates of more than the 2.75 per cent rate cap.

Industrial properties – 12 per cent of Industrial properties will have a reduction in general rates.

• 34 per cent of Industrial properties will have an increase in general rates of less than the 2.75 per cent rate cap.
• 54 per cent of industrial properties will have increase in rates of more than the 2.75 per cent rate cap.

Farm properties – 5 per cent of farm properties will have a reduction in general rates.

• 6 per cent of farm properties will have an increase in general rates of less than the 2.75 per cent rate cap.
• 89 per cent of farm properties will have an increase in general rates of more than the 2.75 per cent rate cap.

Rural residential properties – 1 per cent of rural residential properties will have a reduction in general rates.

• 2 per cent of rural residential properties will have an increase in general rates of less than the 2.75 per cent rate cap.
• 98 per cent of rural residential properties will have an increase in general rates of more than the 2.75 per cent rate cap.

The City of Ballarat has increased its single pensioner waiver — which is available to pensioners who reside on their own — by 10 per cent. In 2024/25, this waiver will apply a $110 credit onto the account of eligible ratepayers.  

This waiver is in addition to the State Government-funded pension concession which has also increased in 2024/25 to a maximum of $309.50.

Additionally, ratepayers that are having difficulties paying their rates may be eligible for rate relief under the City of Ballarat’s Financial Hardship Policy.  

Rates and charges across all properties will contribute $161.5 million to the City of Ballarat 2024/25 budget – this does not include the Fire Services Property Levy, which is a State Government charge and does not contribute to the City of Ballarat budget in any way.  

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said rates are an important revenue stream that ensures the community has access to vital services and facilities. 

"From important services such as Maternal and Child Health and Ageing Well care, to major projects such as the Her Majesty’s Theatre redevelopment, your rates are ensuring our community has the services and infrastructure it needs to thrive,” he said.  

An increasing number of residents are choosing to receive their notice electronically via email. The option of traditional mail remains available.  

Ratepayers can opt to receive their rates notice electronically by signing up at ballarat.enotices.com.au — simply provide your email and the reference number on your rates notice. Alternatively, ratepayers can contact the City of Ballarat Customer Service team.  

Rates can be paid as a lump sum, as a 10-monthly installment option or as quarterly instalments. The instalment options are available via direct debit.

For more information about rates, visit the rates page on the City of Ballarat website. If you have a specific question about your rates notice, please contact the Customer Service team by calling 5320 5500 or visiting the Customer Service Centre located at 25 Armstrong Street South.