Mayor’s Message - Friday 26 July 2024

If you’re a City of Ballarat ratepayer, you will receive your rates notice in the coming weeks — you may have received it already. Unless you have opted to receive your rates notice via email, you should receive it in the mail.  

Your rates ensure the City of Ballarat can deliver vital services to our community. From Maternal and Child Health and library services, to road maintenance and waste collection, your rates are helping us deliver important services for our community.  

This year, Council has adopted the rate cap of 2.75 per cent, as set by the state government. This means that the City of Ballarat’s total rates revenue will increase by this much.  

However, it doesn’t necessarily mean your rates will increase by 2.75 per cent.  

The rates you are charged will vary based on the valuation of your property, which is determined by the Valuer General Victoria. The key factor determining how much your rates will change from previous years is how the value of your property has moved in comparison to the average movement of properties in Ballarat.  

You can pay your rates as a lump sum or you can pay in instalments — there are 10-monthly and quarterly instalment options available via direct debit.  

Additionally, if you’re having difficulty paying your rates, you may be eligible for rate relief under the City of Ballarat’s Financial Hardship Policy. Pensioners may also be eligible for rate relief.  

If you have any questions about your rates notice, I’d encourage you to get in touch with the friendly City of Ballarat customer service team by calling 5320 5500 or visiting the Customer Service Centre located at 25 Armstrong Street South.

- Mayor Cr Des Hudson