Rates Cap
The Victorian Government caps rate increases at 3 per cent each year. The cap applies to the average annual increase in rates and charges.
The City of Greater Dandenong has met this cap.
The rates cap does not cover some charges, such as the waste service charge. Your rates notice may include these types of rates and charges.
Property values and your rates
How much you pay for your rates depends on the value of your property.
The Valuer-General Victoria gives Council a yearly valuation of your property. State laws require a yearly valuation. The valuation helps Council work out what your rates will be.
This valuation doesn't increase or decrease revenue for Council. Council uses the valuation to make sure that rates stay fair over time and reflect property values.
A decrease in your property valuation does not always mean you will pay less rates
How rates are calculated
To work out your rates, the City of Greater Dandenong multiplies the total Capital Improved Value (CIV) of the property by the rate in the dollar. The CIV is the total market value of the land, plus buildings and other improvements.
Council sets the rate in the dollar each year. This helps Council work out what your rates will be.
CIV x rate in the dollar = rates
Council increased rates by 3 per cent for 2025-26 based on CIV and the rate in the dollar.
If you are a residential ratepayer, you have a residential garbage charge as well as your general rates. Council includes this charge in your rates notice and you pay it with your rates. Your rates also include the Victorian Government Waste Levy.
All rate notices will include the new State Government Emergency Services Volunteer Fund levy.
Rating structure for 1 July 2025 – 30 June 2026
The example property value and example rates are a guide only.
| Name | Rate value (cents per dollar) |
|---|---|
| Houses, flats and units | $0.0015319951 |
| Commercial properties | $0.0025277919 |
| Industrial properties | $0.0032171897 |
| Vacant residential land | $0.0022979926 |
| Farms | $0.0011489963 |
What does AVPCC number mean?
Under the Fire Services Property Levy Act 2012, each property is assigned an Australian Valuation Property Classification Code (AVPCC) based on its land use (such as residential, farming, or industrial). This code is shown on your rates notice and is used to determine how the levy is calculated. It is on the rates notice.
Where do the Rates go?
For more details related to the actual spending, email link to our website, search Where do Rates Go?
What is the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) previously known as the Fire Levy?
From 1 July 2025, the Victorian State Government Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) will appear on your council rates notice.
It will replace the existing Fire Services Property Levy (FSPL) and will be shown as a separate charge on rates notices. Council is legislated under the Fire Services Property Amendment (Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund) Act 2025 to collect these fees on behalf of the Victorian State Government.
More information on CA page Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF)