East Gippsland Shire Council has issued the 2025/26 Valuation and Rate Notices. If you do not receive your notice by 9 September, contact us 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,” said Mayor Cr John White. 

This year, Council has made a conscious decision to limit the rate increase to 2.0% which is below the State Government’s rate cap of 3.0%. 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,” Mayor White added. 

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 30 September 2025. If you are late with your first payment, please contact us and we can ensure you remain on the instalment program. 

If you're having difficulty, please reach out early, we have many support options that we can offer you and the earlier you contact us the more options may be available. 

Property owners can lodge objections if they believe their valuation or classification is incorrect. Valuation objections close 31 October. Farm classification reviews and Single Farming Enterprise exemption applications close 31 December. 

Our friendly rates team will be hitting the road from 16 September to 22 October, visiting towns across the region to answer questions and offer in-person support. 

For more information, replacement notices or assistance, contact our offices on (03) 5153 9500 or visit www.eastgippsland.vic.gov.au/council/rates-and-valuations.  

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