Revised Budget and Amended Revenue & Rating Plan 2025–26

After the Revenue & Rating Plan was endorsed at the May Council Meeting, council officers conducted final checks on the 2025-26 rates. During this process, it was identified that incorrect application of the rate differential definitions concerning rural properties had been applied when setting this year’s rates in the Budget.

This would have led to unintended rating outcomes if the rate notices had been distributed.

The differential category definitions have been updated and expanded; plus, Council has applied associated administrative updates.

The budget was revised with adjusted rates based on corrected differential definitions. 75% of property owners will pay lower rates compared to the original May plan.

Yes. The 3% rate cap increase for 2025/26 remains unchanged, and Council continues to comply with the cap as monitored by the Essential Services Commission (ESC).

Rates notices are scheduled for distribution throughout August 2025. Rates notices previously issued relate to the 2024/25 year and are unaffected by the changes.

The Council will consider:

• The Amended Revenue & Rating Plan 2025–29
• The Revised Budget for 2025/26

These updates are scheduled for the Council Meeting on Tuesday, 22 July 2025.

For more information on the Council Meeting visit: www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/Your-Council/Council-Meetings/Agendas-and-Minutes