The City of Greater Bendigo will send out over 62,000 rates notices to ratepayers via post or email next week.
Rates can be paid by four instalments with the following due dates:
- First instalment: September 30, 2025
- Second instalment: December 1, 2025
- Third instalment: March 2, 2026
- Fourth instalment: June 1, 2026
To avoid interest charges, please ensure payments are made by the due dates.
Ratepayers who choose the prepayment option (to pay their rates in full by September 30, 2025) will receive a 1.5% discount.
Please note this discount only applies to rates and charges on the rates notice. It does not include the new Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) which is a new Victorian Government charge to replace the Fire Service Levy.
Director Corporate Performance Angela Hays said the City provided tailored payment arrangements to suit individual needs and break down lump sums.
"We encourage flexible options such as weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments. Direct debit and Centrepay are popular methods to make smaller, regular payments," Ms Hays said.
"If you're finding it hard to meet payments, we are here to help find a solution that works for you. Please contact our rates team or visit the Rates payment arrangement request page on our website.
"I am pleased to announce that waste charges will remain the same in this financial year so there are no increases for ratepayers for the Bins and Waste Service Charge. This covers essential services such as kerbside bin collections, street sweeping and cleaning, recycle centre operations, landfill remediation, community education and much more.
"The rates notice will also include the Victorian Government's new Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESFV) to replace the Fire Services Property Levy and help support a broader range of emergency services. Local councils are required to collect the new charge on behalf of the Victorian Government.
"The ESVF will be calculated based on a fixed charge that varies by property type, and a variable charge based on property value. Pensioners, veterans and single farm enterprises will continue to receive concessions.
