We calculate your rates by multiplying the Capital Improved Value (CIV) by the applicable rate in the dollar that is set each year as part of the budget process.
Rating categories and values
We have a Revenue and Rating Plan that establishes the revenue raising framework within which we propose to calculate rates and charges.
The Plan sets out decisions that we have made in relation to rating options available to it under the Local Government Act 1989 to identify the fairest and most equitable method of distributing rates across the Alpine Shire. The rating structure includes a general rate, differential rates, and a special rate.
The Plan does not set revenue targets for us. Rather, it outlines the strategic framework that inform how we will go about calculation and collecting its revenue, including rate policies.
The Plan outlines the following categories and values:
Categories
There are three rating categories:
- General rate – the cornerstone of our rating structure, applied to every property unless the property falls into a specific differential rate category
- Farm rate – a lower rate set at 73% of the general rate and charged on properties that qualify under our Farm Rate Policy
- Commercial/industrial rate – a higher rate set at 143% of the general rate and charged on properties that fall under our Commercial/Industrial Rate Policy
Values
All properties in Victoria are now valued annually by Valuer-General Victoria.
The three values shown on your notice are:
1. Capital Improved Value (CIV)
Includes a) any improvements, like houses, sheds, swimming pools, fences, orchards, and pergolas, and b) the value of the land (shown on the rate notice as site value).
2. Site Value (SV)
The value of the land only. It is included in the Capital Improved Value (CIV). You do not add the two together.
3. Net Annual Value (NAV)
The amount in rent that could reasonably be received from the property over 12 months. It is not used for the calculation of rates.
Valuations impacting on rates
Each year your property is valued by the Valuer-General Victoria to determine the Capital Improved Value (CIV). This value is used to work out your rates and land tax. We are not involved in setting your property’s valuation.
The amount of rates you pay each year is influenced by changes in the value of your property and the type of property you own.
A range of information is used by the Valuer-General to calculate property values, including analysing nearby property sales and rents, and looking at the features of a property. Data about a property is collected from inspections, building and planning permits and other public sources.
A range of factors, including a lack of housing availability, increased demand from people relocating to rural areas and a shift to remote working has impacted property prices across the Alpine Shire specifically, and regional Victoria in general.
What value is used to calculate rates?
We calculate rates by multiplying the CIV by the applicable rate in the dollar that is set each year by us as part of the budget process. CIV includes the site value of your property. CIV and Site Value (SV) are not added together to calculate your rates.
We adopted a 2.75% rate increase in the 2024/25 Budget. Property owners who have experienced a large increase in the value of their property will likely see that the increase in their rates on the previous year is higher than 2.75%.
Property owners whose property has increased at a lower rate will likely see an increase in their rates of less than 2.75% or might even see a reduction in their rates compared to last year.
Fire Services Property Levy
The Fire Services Property Levy is included in your rate notice, which we collect on behalf of the Victorian Government.
Where multiple parcels of land are used to operate a Single Farm Enterprise (SFE), you may only be required to pay the fixed charge once, by applying for the SFE exemption.
To apply, fill out the form and return your completed form to us.
Find out more by visiting the State Revenue Office Fire Service Levy.
Frequently asked questions
You can object to your valuation within two months of the date of issue of the valuation and rates notice. This can be done online via the Valuer-General Victoria rating valuation objections portal.
Please note that rates payments must be made as they appear on the notice until a decision has been made in relation to the objection.
A valuation representative will contact you to discuss your objection, and you will be informed in writing of the decision.
For more information, please refer to the back of your rates notice.
Find out more by visiting the Department of Transport and Planning.
Council has rating policies that are not tied to planning zones.
To qualify for the farm rate, your property needs to be greater than eight hectares and demonstrate it is a bona fide farm, regardless of the zone in which the property is located.