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Investigation of a Municipal Charge

Project Overview

online community engagement

Council is considering introducing a municipal charge as part of how rates are calculated. We are seeking community feedback before a final decision is made as part of the 2026/27 budget process. Have your say on the rating system and help inform Council’s decision.

Project Update

Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their views and provide feedback during this consultation. Community input plays an important role in informing Council decisions and shaping future directions for Moorabool Shire Council.

Community feedback on the proposed introduction of a municipal charge highlighted strong concerns about equity, fairness and cost‑of‑living impacts, particularly how a fixed charge could affect different property types and households. While a small number of participants supported the concept, overall sentiment indicated affordability and potential unintended impacts were key issues for many residents.

All feedback received through the Have Your Say consultation, including survey responses and written submissions, was carefully considered by Council alongside legislative requirements, financial analysis and broader budget considerations. Following this review, Council resolved not to proceed with the introduction of a municipal charge at this time, and the current rating structure will remain in place for the upcoming budget period.

Community feedback will continue to inform future reviews of Council’s Revenue and Rating Strategy, with any proposed changes to be subject to further analysis and community engagement.

Council is reviewing how rates are calculated and is considering introducing a municipal charge. 

In Victoria, council rates can include three components: 

  1. a waste charge 

  2. a municipal charge 

  3. a rate in the dollar based on the Capital Improved Value (CIV) of a property 

Currently, Moorabool Shire Council applies a waste charge and a rate in the dollar only. A municipal charge is a fixed amount applied equally to all properties to help cover Council’s administrative and operating costs. 

Introducing a municipal charge would not increase the total amount of rates collected. It would change how existing rates are distributed across ratepayers.


Community feedback will help inform Council’s decision. 

  • Consultation opened

    27 January 2026
  • Consultation closed

    17 February 2026
  • Analysis and reporting completed

    February–March 2026
  • Council decision

    Special Meeting of Council (April 2026)
The survey is now closed. Thanks for participating.

FAQ

A municipal charge is a fixed fee applied equally to all properties to help fund Council’s administrative and operating costs. 

Introducing a municipal charge would not increase the total amount of rates Council collects. It would change how rates are distributed between properties. Some properties may experience an increase in rates while other property owners may experience a decrease. 

Council is deciding whether to continue with the current rating system or introduce a municipal charge as part of the 2026/27 Budget Process. 

The community can express a preference for the rating system, which will inform Council’s final decision. 

The collection of rates and the State Government rate cap are legislative requirements and cannot be changed. 

No. The Municipal Charge is completely separate from the Fire Services Levy (now referred to as the Emergency Services Levy).

The Fire Services Levy (Emergency Services Levy) is a State Government charge, not a Council charge. It is collected by councils on behalf of the Victorian Government and helps fund emergency services such as Fire Rescue Victoria, Country Fire Authority (CFA), and other emergency response agencies.

Although it appears on your rates notice, Council does not set the levy and does not keep any of the money. Council is required by law to collect the levy and pass it directly to the State Government.

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