Farm rates notices held back to apply 40 per cent government discount

Published on 29 July 2025

We are holding back slightly on sending out rates notices for farm land, to implement the Victorian Government’s 40 per cent rebate for these properties.

The government announced the rebate for 11 drought impacted local government areas, including Surf Coast Shire, on 4 July.

It has since been confirmed that state funding to cover the rebates will be provided to councils, who can then directly apply a 40 per cent discount on rates notices for farm land.

Residential and Commercial/Industrial rates notices are expected to be issued this week.

Farm land rates notices will be issued slightly later to allow for the 40 per cent discount to be calculated and applied across approximately 1,000 eligible properties.

Mayor Mike Bodsworth said the government rebate is welcome.

“We understand the major challenges farmers in the Surf Coast Shire continue to face,” Cr Bodsworth said.

“Despite recent rain, rainfall this year remains well below average, and the impacts of the drought will be felt by our farming community for a long time.

“This initiative from the Victorian Government is helpful during a very difficult period.”

Recognising the dire circumstances facing many primary producers, Council had already voted to freeze average farm rate payments at 2024-25 levels.

This is one of a series of measures put in place by Council to support local farming communities since October 2024.

Information about Council’s drought response, and details of other support available to impacted farmers, is available at our drought support hub.