The City of Greater Bendigo will send out over 64,000 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, 2026
- Second instalment: November 30, 2026
- Third instalment: March 1, 2027
- Fourth instalment: May 31, 2027
To avoid interest charges, please ensure payments are made by the due dates.
Ratepayers who choose to pay their annual rates in full, rather than by instalments must do so by September 30, 2026.
As approved in the annual Budget 2026-2027, the City will no longer provide a discount for rates paid in full in September. This is in line with most local authorities in Victoria, where early payment incentives are not commonly offered.
Director Corporate Performance Angela Hays said the discount has been removed to ensure a fair and equitable approach for all ratepayers.
"Under the previous arrangement, only those who were able to pay their rates in full before the due date benefited from the discount," Ms Hays said.
"The discount costed approximately $500,000 each year and provided an average saving of around $36 to individual households who paid their rates in full under the prepayment option.
"By removing the discount, these funds can now be redirected to support the broader community through a Budget that delivers around 60 important services. This ensures the benefit is for the broader community and shared more equitably across all ratepayers, regardless of their payment preferences or financial circumstances.
"The additional revenue retained through this change also helps the City to manage increasing service delivery costs within Victoria's rate-capping framework, while continuing to invest in services and infrastructure for the community.
"The decision reflects Council's commitment to responsible financial management while ensuring a fair and balanced approach for the entire community.
"The City also offers tailored payment arrangements to suit individual needs. This helps to spread the cost across the year, similar to other household utility bills.
"You can break down the annual sum into flexible options such as weekly, fortnightly, or monthly payments. Direct debit and Centrepay are popular methods to make smaller, regular payments.
"If you are finding it hard to meet payments, you can apply for a payment arrangement. The City also has hardship guidelines for those facing financial difficulties. City staff are here to help, visit our rates payment arrangement request form
