2023/24 Rates notice distribution begins

City of Ballarat ratepayers can expect to receive their rates notices for the 2023/24 period in the coming weeks. An increasing number of residents are choosing to receive their notice electronically and will receive their notice by email. The option of traditional mail remains available.  

Council has adopted the rate cap of 3.5 per cent set by the Victorian Government. This means that the City of Ballarat’s total rates revenue will increase by this amount.  

Individual property rate charges will vary and may be higher or lower than the rate cap depending on property valuation movements. Valuations are determined annually by the Valuer General Victoria and not by the City of Ballarat. The key factor in determining the change in rates each ratepayer pays is how their property value has moved in comparison to the average movement of properties in the City of Ballarat local government area.  

This year, about 60 per cent of rateable properties within the City of Ballarat will have a rate increase lower than the 3.5 per cent rate rise.  

Residential properties 
Valuations for residential properties have increased by a lesser amount compared to last year. For 2023 residential property valuations have increased on average by 8.01 per cent. As such, the average residential property will receive a 2.39 per cent increase in rates. However, more than a third of residential properties will see a reduction in rates.  

• 38.28 per cent of residential properties will reduce in rates.
• 26.50 per cent of residential properties will increase in rates by less than 3.5 per cent.  
• 35.22 per cent residential properties will increase in rates by more than 3.5 per cent.

Commercial properties  
Valuations for commercial properties have followed a similar pattern to residential properties, increasing on average by 8.41 per cent in 2023 – a lower amount than last year. This means the average commercial property will see a 0.42 per cent increase in rates, with more than 50 per cent of commercial properties experiencing a reduction in rates.  

• 52.44 per cent of commercial properties will receive a reduction in rates.
• 17.48 per cent of commercial properties will increase in rates by less than 3.5 per cent.
• 30.08 per cent commercial properties will increase in rates by more than 3.5 per cent.

Industrial properties 
Valuations for industrial have increased by 23.10 per cent on average in 2023. This means the average industrial property will see a 13.19 per cent increase in rates.

• 26.7 per cent of industrial properties will reduce in rates.
• 4.8 per cent of industrial properties will increase in rates by less than 3.5 per cent.  
• 68.5 per cent industrial properties will increase in rates by more than 3.5 per cent.

Farm properties  
Valuations for farm properties have increased by 35.3 per cent on average in 2023. This means the average farm property will see a 28.33 per cent increase in rates.  

• 6.4 per cent of farm properties will reduce in rates.
• 6.6 per cent of farm properties will increase in rates by less than 3.5 per cent.
• 87 per cent farm properties will increase in rates by more than 3.5 per cent.  

Rural residential properties 
Valuations for rural residential properties have increased by 16.46 per cent on average in 2023. This means the average rural residential property will see a 13.97 per cent increase in rates.

• 0.8 per cent of rural residential properties will reduce in rates.
• 4.6 per cent of rural residential properties will increase in rates by less than 3.5 per cent.
• 94.6 per cent rural residential properties will increase in rates by more than 3.5 per cent.

Rates across all properties will contribute $125.2 million to the City of Ballarat 2023/24 budget.

City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Des Hudson said rates are an important revenue stream that ensures the community has access to vital services and facilities. 

"From major projects such as the Central Library, to maternal child health services, to the construction of roads, bridges and bike paths, ratepayers are helping Council deliver a better Ballarat now and for future generations,” he said.  

Ratepayers have the option of paying their rates as a lump sum, as a 10-monthly installment option or as quarterly installments. The installment options are available via direct debit.  

Pensioners will again be eligible for rate relief. Additionally, ratepayers that are having difficulties paying their rates may be eligible for rate relief under the City of Ballarat’s Financial Hardship Policy.  

Ratepayers can opt to receive their rates notice electronically by signing up at ballarat.enotices.com.au - simply provide your email and the reference number on your rates notice. Alternatively, ratepayers can contact the City of Ballarat Customer Service team.  

For more information about rates, visit the City of Ballarat website. If you have a specific question about your rates notice, please contact the Customer Service team by calling 5320 5500 or visiting the Customer Service Centre located at 25 Armstrong Street South.