We asked for your feedback on how we calculate and collect funds to provide Council services and facilities for everyone in our community.

The Revenue and Rating Plan outlines how Council calculates the income needed to support our community. It explains how this funding is shared fairly between ratepayers, users of Council facilities and services to support all of Boroondara.

Rates are the largest source of Council revenue, accounting for 77% of annual income (as outlined in Council’s Budget 2026-26).

Community consultation – what we heard

We received 6 submissions, all from Boroondara ratepayers, on our draft Revenue and Rating Plan.

From these submissions, key topics raised included:

• Affordability for retirees on fixed incomes and smaller properties
  We acknowledge the impact that rates can have on residents with fixed or limited incomes. Our Rates and Charges Deferment and Financial Hardship Policy provides support and flexibility for those experiencing financial difficulty.
• Potential valuation impacts caused by Camberwell Activity Centre planning controls
  Councils uses valuations provided by the Valuer-General of Victoria, based on current market conditions and legislative requirements under the Valuation of Land Act 1960. Council has no control over the property valuations resulting from planning changes. Any changes to property values due to planning changes will be reflected through future valuations and applied consistently.
• Establishing a community fund to reduce reliance on government funding for emergency or local support
  Council will consider this idea in the context of broader financial strategy and community engagement priorities.
• Rate exemptions for churches and other institutions occupying high-value land
  Properties used exclusively for charitable, religious and educational and public purposes are exempt from general rates under the Local Government Act 1989. We have previously advocated for changes to these provisions and acknowledge community concerns regarding equity in the application of the rating system.
• Low grant funding per household in Boroondara compared to other councils
  We are aware Boroondara’s relatively low per capita grant income and continue to advocate for a more equitable share of State and Federal funding.
• Rate increases despite budget surpluses, with a request to consider rate freezes or cost savings
  Under the Fair Go Rates System, we’re restricted to a capped rate increase each year unless an application for a variation is made. Council does not make a profit. The budget surplus includes funds set aside for future projects and Capital Works that run for more than one financial year. Funds are reinvested to enhance community services, maintain local infrastructure and deliver long-term projects for Boroondara. We are committed to cost savings and over the past 3 years Council has delivered $4.35 million savings, which has translated into better service outcomes for our community.

Next steps

Our final Revenue Rating Plan was adopted by Councillors at a public Council meeting on Monday 30 June 2025.

Thank you to everyone who provided feedback during community consultation. We’ll provide a tailored response to each submission.

For more information on what you see on your rates notice, see Understand your rates notice.

Hardship support
Council is committed to assisting all ratepayers who are experiencing any degree of financial difficulty or financial hardship. To find out more about how we can help, see Rates and charges deferment and Financial Hardship Policy.

Paying in instalments
We offer 3 instalment options:

• pay each quarter
• each month or
• over 10 months.