Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Wellington Local News

Rising Property Values Will Impact On Rates

The boom in the Victorian property market is expected to impact on rates across all Shires during this financial year

By Karen Gregory - 13th August 2002 - Back to News

The State Government requires properties to be revalued every two years and the Valuer General has indicated that, due to the increase in property values, the latest valuation could impact on rates.

Ratepayers in Wellington are about to receive their rates notices for 2002-2003 based on a revaluation of properties that’s shown an average increase of 13 per cent and upwards across the Shire to December 2001.

The good news for householders is that the revaluation has recognised the higher capital value of many properties. And this higher capital value will not necessarily result in higher rates for everyone.

Wellington Shire’s Director of Corporate Services, Brendan O’ Loughlin said that Council had taken into account the overall increase in the valuation base of the Shire and reduced the rate in the dollar to compensate for any increase in overall valuations.

"Council has decreased the rate in the dollar by 6.6% to offset the increase in values.

As a result, a number of property owners will pay lower rates this year.

"Generally, however, rates and charges will be lifted by 4.5%.

"Council has looked at the bi-annual valuation figures and noted that there’s a shift in value from rural to urban properties – however, it’s by no means a uniform shift.

"Across the Shire most properties have increased in value, but there’s no doubt that some have increased far more than others – particularly on some rural properties where significant improvements have been made since the previous valuation was carried out two years ago.

Brendan said that Council and officers had worked successfully over the past two years to financially reposition the organisation.

"This has meant tight control over expenditure, tackling debt and targeting investment in required assets.

"Over the coming year, Council will concentrate on improved customer service, sound asset management principles, retention and enhancement of services and financial sustainability."

One fundamental change has been the balance between the municipal charge and garbage charge. Last year both charges were set at $127.00. This year the municipal charge is $130.00 and the garbage charge has been lifted to $136.00 in line with the policy of meeting costs and the extra investment required in managing waste.

"This will continue the shift in total cost to users of the garbage contractors. Compared to private waste operators it is very competitive," said Brendan.

"Importantly, Wellington Shire Council has delivered its first operating surplus since it was formed in late 1994. The significance of this is that it was achieved with additional funding for roads and a sound organisational policy on financial matters. It’s a program embraced by our management team to deliver the best outcomes possible for our community.

"Debt has been highlighted as a major priority for Council. In a report published last year it was revealed that Wellington had the largest debt per capita of any Council outside the metropolitan area.

"Council has been aggressively reducing that debt, $1.5m in 2000/01, $2.5m in 2001/02 and up to $1m in 2002/03. This program will deliver benefits to our community as it will mean less of the budget is applied to debt servicing and more to asset renewal and services.

"The aim is to reduce the overall debt from a high of $22.5m to a much more manageable level of $15m. The annual debt servicing cost (principal and interest) has been running at around $4m. Broadly, the strategy is to cut that to about $2.5m annually.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Melina Bath warns rising crime under Labor threatens community safety, as offences increase, calling for stronger police support and tougher laws
  Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath warns crime rose 12.7% to 640,860 under Labor, with reduced police funding and station hours leaving Victorians unsafe, calling for stronger laws and police support.
• Bass Coast celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival this October with events, workshops, performances and community connection
  The Victorian Seniors Festival returns to Bass Coast this October with the theme Connect, Create, Celebrate, offering workshops, performances, games, tours, and free transport for Seniors Card holders.
• South Gippsland Shire Council celebrates major project milestones and strong financial performance, and achievements in 2024/25 Annual Report
  South Gippsland Shire Council's 2024/25 Annual Report highlights major infrastructure projects, strong financial management, expanded community services, and full achievement of Council Plan initiatives across the past 12 months.
• South Gippsland Shire Council celebrates major project milestones and strong financial performance, and achievements in 2024/25 Annual Report
  South Gippsland Shire Council's 2024/25 Annual Report highlights major infrastructure projects, strong financial management, expanded community services, and full achievement of Council Plan initiatives across the past 12 months.
• David Littleproud urges Australians to support local farmers amid rising imported food and supermarket pressures
  Nationals Leader David Littleproud urges Australians to buy local food as farmers face soaring costs, supermarket pressures, and rising imports, warning inaction threatens food security and the future of Australian agriculture.
• Wellington Shire Council invites open conversations on financial pressures impacting community services, roads, and facilities
  Wellington Shire Council faces rising costs, rate caps, and funding pressures, yet remains committed to delivering essential services and urging government reform to better support regional communities into the future.
• Labor government's VicGrid laws pass with crossbench backing amid Nationals' warning of property rights erosion
  The Allan government's VicGrid laws passed with crossbench support, sparking Nationals' criticism over lost property rights, silenced regional voices, and overreach. The Nationals vow repeal in 2026 to restore landholder protections.
• South Gippsland Eat, Drink Play Festival celebrates local food, drinks, live music, kids' activities, and outdoor fun and other updates
  Eat Drink Play Gippsland returns this spring at Leongatha Railway Precinct, showcasing regional food, drink, and live music. With daytime tastings, evening entertainment, and kids' activities, it's a family-friendly celebration of Gippsland.
• Victorian Health Department sets Gippsland priorities, access, workforce, safety, shared services, and mental health expansion
  The Victorian Department of Health has set four Gippsland health priorities: access, workforce, safety, and shared services, while highlighting mental health needs and significant workforce investment at Warragul's regional health leaders' forum.
• Tim Bull urges Gippsland East households to apply for $100 Power Saving Bonus amid rising costs
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull urges locals to apply for the $100 Power Saving Bonus, helping households manage rising costs. Eligible residents can seek assistance at his Bairnsdale office.
• Wellington Shire Council offers free green waste disposal to help residents reduce fire hazards this season
  Wellington Shire Council is urging property owners, particularly in coastal communities, to prepare for the fire danger period by taking advantage of its Fire Ready No-Fee Green Waste Disposal program.
• Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government, LSV to ensure lifeguard patrols continue safely, without cuts
  Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government and LSV to guarantee lifeguard patrols, warning proposed funding hike strains budgets while beaches remain high-risk, with recent drownings highlighting urgent safety needs.