About Your Rates

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The collection of rates from property owners is Council's primary source of revenue to pay for services that benefits the community through investment in utilities and infrastructure.   

These investments include street lighting, construction and maintenance of local roads, footpaths, drainage and also a wide variety of community services including public gardens, youth and children’s services, library and recreational services. 

Essentially rates are a property-based tax broadly calculated using the value of the property as a basis for the calculation. 

 

Your rates notice explained

Rates notices are issued in August each year.  There are two reference numbers Council use to identify your property – Assessment Number (Property Number) and eNotices reference number.    

The QR code on your notice will also take you to eNotices where you can pay your rates, obtain an electronic copy of your Annual Notice and instalment notices, and set up direct debits and payment plans. 

 

View or reprint your rates notice

You can view your current rates notices online if you are already registered to receive eNotices. 

To register to view future rates notices online and receive emailed notices, 

  1. Visit sthgrampians.enotices.com.au

  2. Enter your email address and eNotice Reference Number (as shown on your rate notice). 

  3.  Check your email inbox and click the validation link. It lasts 48 hours! 

  4.  Choose a password & enter your mobile number. 

You will now receive notices in your inbox and can login to view them online at any time. 

 

How we calculate your rates

Rates are calculated using the Capital Improved Value (CIV) of your property.  Properties with more improvements will pay more rates than those with little or no improvements (eg: vacant land). 

This is simply the value of the land, building and any other improvements, multiplied by a differential dollar rate. The rate changes depending on how the land and any improvements are used. 

Southern Grampians Shire Council have three differential rates: 

  • General Rate 1 – all rateable land in the parishes of North and South Hamilton (excluding farm land / properties that form part of a single farm enterprise) 

  • General Rate 2 – includes all rateable farm land & properties that form part of a single farm enterprise in the parishes of North and South Hamilton 

  • General Rate 3 – all other rateable land outside the boundaries of North & South Hamilton 

NB:  General Rates 2 & 3 attract the same differential dollar rate.   

For example: the rates for a residential property in North or South Hamilton are: 

$400,000 (The CIV – Capital Improved Value – adjusted annually) 

X 0.00382 (the differential rate or rate in the dollar – adjusted annually) 

= $1,312.00 (general rates charge) before any municipal charge or waste service charge. 

Differential Rates 

Southern Grampians Shire Council currently have three differential rates as follows: 

  • GR1 Residential City = 0.00328 cents/$ CIV 

  • GR2 Farming within North/South Hamilton = 0.001755 cents/$ CIV 

  • GR3 Commercial / Industrial and Rural Residential = 0.001755 cents/$ CIV 

About property valuations 

In simple terms, a valuation is an assessment of the amount a property would sell for on a set date. 

All properties in the Shire will be valued every year in accordance with Valuation Best Practice Principles determined by the State Valuer General. 

Valuations that will appear on your rate notice are based on levels of value as of 1 January each year. 

How a valuation is determined 

Values are determined by qualified valuers who gather and analyse a range of property information. 

To work out how much a property is worth, the council valuer starts by analysing the latest property sales and rental data to build a profile of value levels for different areas and types of properties. 

This information is then applied to individual properties throughout the municipality. Land size and location, house value, plus the added value of a garage, garden, driveway and other improvements are also taken into consideration. 

If you wish to object to your valuation, please follow the link to the rating valuation objections portal.  Please ensure you submit your objection within 2 months of the notice of valuation being given.  NB:  The portal will not accept objections outside the permitted time. 

How valuations impact rates 

A revaluation of properties does not mean extra rate revenue for Council. 

The capital improved value is used as the basis of rating for the new financial year, which commenced on 1 July every year. 

As part of its budget process, Council determines the amount of total revenue it requires to raise from rates. 

Property valuations are used as the basis for levying rates and therefore each property’s contribution to Council’s overall rate revenue is determined by its valuation. 

Rises in CPI, council spending on infrastructure and the cost of delivering services to residents are all factors considered when determining how much rate revenue needs to be collected. 

The Victorian State Government has also introduced a rate capping process which sets the maximum annual increase in rates. Councils who wish to raise rates higher than 'the cap' must follow a formal approval process. 

Rates are redistributed according to shifts in property values that have occurred in different parts of the municipality. Some ratepayers may experience a change in their rates, depending on the type of property they own and where it is located. 

Changes in property values will vary across the municipality, and these will be reflected in each property’s rate bill.  

 

 

Discount for early payment

For the convenience of ratepayers who prefer to make only one payment each year and as an incentive for early payment, a discount will be allowed where the full amount for the year (less the discount) is paid on or before 30 September, excluding any arrears of rates and charges outstanding from previous years. 

The fire service property levy is not subject to the discount. 

For the discount to apply payments must be received by the due date, whether by post, Billpay, Bpay or in person. 

 

 

Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund explained

 The Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund (ESVF) is collected by Council on behalf of the State Revenue Office to funds Victoria’s fire and emergency services. From 1 July 2025, the ESVF replaced the FSPL.

All land and property owners must pay the ESVF, including non-rateable and small or low-value properties. Council itself must also pay the ESVF on Council-owned properties.  

More information: Emergency services and volunteers fund | State Revenue Office

You can apply for an exemption if you own or occupy multiple parcels of farmland which are used for a single farming enterprise. 

Eligible single farm enterprises may only need to pay the fixed charge once for the farm property. If you think you are eligible, fill out the Exemption Form. 

 

 

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