Councils are able to levy either a uniform rate across all properties, or one or more differential rates. Differential rates are where councils set different rates in the dollar for different categories of rateable land. 

Benalla Rural City Council uses differential rates to ensure all rateable land makes an equitable financial contribution to the cost of carrying out the functions of the Council. This means there can be different rates in the dollar for each separate rating category.

Properties are allocated to a differential rating category based predominantly on the approved land use and zoning of the property under the Benalla Planning Scheme. In Benalla Rural City the categories are:

• Residential (Benalla)
• Residential (Rural Township)
• Vacant Land (Benalla)
• Vacant Land (Rural Township)
• Business
• Rural (Farmland)
• Rural (Non-farming)

From 2023/24, your annual rates notice must include the amounts applicable if your property was classified under any of the above categories.

If you believe your property is being rated under the incorrect differential category, please phone us on 03 5760 2600 or email council@benalla.vic.gov.au

For further details, view the Rating and Revenue Plan information below. 

Rating and Revenue Plan 2021-2025

The Local Government Act 2020 requires each council to prepare a Rating and Revenue Plan to cover a minimum period of four years following each Council election. The Rating and Revenue Plan establishes the revenue raising framework within which the Council proposes to work.

The purpose of the Rating and Revenue Plan is to determine the most appropriate revenue and rating approach for Benalla Rural City Council which in conjunction with other income sources will adequately finance the objectives in the Council Plan.

This plan is an important part of Council’s integrated planning framework, all of which is created to help Council achieve its vision to provide a sustainable, thriving and cohesive community where lifestyle, culture, health and wellbeing are supported by strong leadership and community partnership.

Strategies outlined in this plan align with the objectives contained in the Council Plan and will feed into our budgeting and long-term financial planning documents, as well as other strategic planning documents under our Council’s strategic planning framework.

At its meeting on 23 June 2021 Benalla Rural City Council resolved that its Rating and Revenue Plan 2021-2025 be adopted.

The document is available for inspection at the Customer Service Centre and the Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop Learning Centre. Download the Rating and Revenue Plan 2021-25(PDF, 407KB)

Discover more:

Rates FAQs

Electronic Rates Notices

Ways to pay your rates

Concessions for Pensioners

Financial Support and Hardship Assistance

Understanding and disputing Property Valuations