Rates arrangements following January Bushfires

Murrindindi Shire Council recognises that for affected community members who have lost homes, sheds, stock, livelihoods or irreplaceable personal belongings, the path ahead may feel overwhelming, and we know that council rates will be the last thing on their mind right now.  

Council is committed to supporting fire‑affected property owners and renters as they begin the process of recovery and rebuilding. To provide clarity and reduce immediate pressure, Council has confirmed the following rates arrangements for the 2025–26 year. 

Tailored arrangements will apply for properties within the fire footprint.  

For properties where a home or major outbuildings were destroyed or significantly damaged: 

• All impacted properties will have detailed on-site assessments undertaken to confirm the extent of damage. 
• The information from the assessment will then be used to help inform a revaluation of the property. This is expected to take several months to complete. 
• An adjusted (supplementary) rates notice will then be issued, reflecting the change in property value from 8 January to 30 June 2026. 
• No rates payment is required from affected ratepayers until after they receive the revised supplementary notice. 

For properties inside the fire footprint that did not sustain property loss: 

• The due date for full rates payment or the third instalment for people paying by instalment will be extended to 31 March 2026. 

For properties outside the fire‑affected footprint, there will be no change to the standard due dates: 

• Full payment remains due on 15 February 2026. 
• Third instalment for those paying in instalments remains due on 28 February 2026. 

Rate payers, whether fire‑affected or not, who are having difficulty meeting their payment timeframes are encouraged to contact Council to discuss alternative payment arrangements.  

Murrindindi Shire Mayor, Cr Damien Gallagher, said Council’s approach reflects both compassion for those who have suffered devastating loss and the need to maintain stable services for the broader municipality. 

“For those who have lost everything, rates simply cannot be your priority - nor should they be. Our focus is on your safety, your wellbeing and supporting you through the process of rebuilding.”