Rates are a form of property tax collected by Council. Rates and charges are an important source of revenue, accounting for over 53% of operating revenue received by Council. The collection of rates is an important factor in funding Council services.
Rate notices are issued in August each year. Please contact us via [email protected] if you:
- have not received your notice by 15 September
- need to request a copy of your rate notice from previous years
- need to update your address or contact details (download Change of Address form here)
- want to change the Ratepayer for your property (download Change of Ratepayer form here)
Register today to receive your Rate Notices electronically.
eNotices
eNotices is an online portal that allows you to register, view and receive your notices electronically.
Once registered, your notices will be delivered to you via email. You can then access and view your past and current notices on any electronic device (phone, tablet, laptop or desktop) at any time.
Register by:
- Go to https://ararat.enotices.com.au/
- Enter in your email address and eNotices Reference Number (you can find this on your rates notice)
- Check your email inbox and click the validation link.
- Select a password and enter your mobile number.
If you have recently bought a property in the Ararat Rural City and would like to register to receive your rate notice via email you will need your first rates notice to enable you to sign up for eNotices.
To update your email address for electronic notices please sign in to your eNotices account and update your details.
Please contact us at [email protected] if you need any assistance.
BPAY View
BPay View is an easy way to receive and store your rate notices, in your online or mobile banking. Get reminded before the due date and make it easy to pay your rate notices on time, every time.
No more mail, your rate notices are delivered straight to your online or mobile banking, and automatically saved for up to 18 months.
Signing up to BPAY View® is easy:
- Log into your online banking account.
- Look for the BPAY View® or View Bills section.
- Register your bills
Add your Council rate notices by entering the biller code 26989. Then enter your BPAY view registration number as shown on your rate notice.
Note: Paper notices will no longer be issued to you once you have registered with BPAY View®.
For further information, please visit www.bpay.com.au/bpayview
In 2015, a cap on rates was introduced to limit annual increases in rate revenue.
Each year the Minister for Local Government sets the rate cap amount based on the forecast Consumer Price Index (CPI) and advice from the Essential Services Commission (ESC). For the 2025-26 financial year, the Minister has set the rate cap at 3 per cent.
The rate cap applies to Councils total rate revenue only - not individual properties. Individual rates bills may increase or decrease by more (or less) than the capped rise amount due to their valuation movements.
Only the general rate and municipal charges part of a rates bill are subject to the cap. Other parts, such as waste charges and other user fees and levies, remain uncapped.
For details on rate capping visit Local Government Victoria – Fair Go Rates.
Ararat Rural City Council is strongly committed to assisting businesses, residents and ratepayers facing financial difficulties.
If you are having difficulty paying all or part of your rates and charges by the due date, we encourage you to contact the Rates Office on 03 5355 0209 or [email protected] to arrange a payment plan.
If you are experiencing financial hardship, you can talk to a free financial counsellor at the National Debt Hotline on 1800 007 007, or Rural Financial Counselling Service on 1300 735 578.
