East Gippsland Shire Council welcomes the confirmation of the latest Council Rate Cap Compliance Report released by the Victorian Essential Services Commission (ESC), reinforcing that Council has complied with the Victorian Government’s rate cap for the 2025–26 financial year.

The report shows that 77 of Victoria’s 79 councils complied with the average rate cap or an approved higher cap, under the Fair Go Rates system administered by the ESC. The Minister for Local Government set the average rate cap at 3.0 per cent for the 2025–26 rating year, and East Gippsland Shire Council remained within this limit.

Mayor Cr Jodie Ashworth said the outcome reflects Council’s careful financial management and commitment to supporting the local community.

“We’ve taken a careful and considered approach to this year’s budget, keeping the general rate rise to 2.0 per cent – a full percentage point below the Victorian Government’s 3.0 per cent cap, to help ease cost-of-living pressures while continuing to provide the services people rely on,” Cr Ashworth said.

“Council remains committed to balancing the needs of the community with responsible financial management. This independent confirmation from the Essential Services Commission reinforces council approach to setting rates is both responsible and compliant with State Government requirements.”

Council deliberately kept the proposed general rate increase below the State cap to ensure local households and businesses face minimal financial pressure while maintaining key services and infrastructure across the shire. However, individual rate notices may vary depending on property valuations and differential rates.

For more information on the rate cap, compliance reporting and how it affects local councils, visit the Essential Services Commission website: www.esc.vic.gov.au.