Rates notice clarification for bushfire-impacted residents

Strathbogie Shire Council recently issued third and fourth rates instalment notices to properties impacted by the Longwood Berrys Lane bushfire.

These instalment notices had been deferred to allow for damage assessments and property revaluations to be done.

Council has received a number of questions from residents in relation to these notices and wishes to provide further clarification.

We apologise for any confusion or distress these notices may have caused.

The notices issued this month include the third and fourth instalment amounts together. In many cases, these are based on revised property values following any applicable reassessment.

The third instalment was shown as an arrears amount on the rates notice, and this may include third instalment amounts and any previous instalment arrears. Council knows that any third instalment amounts are not arrears and residents won’t be charged interest on this.

The property revaluations were done by LG Valuations on behalf of the Valuer General of Victoria. This included assessing data from fire-affected properties and, in some cases, undertaking a supplementary valuation. Council does not undertake revaluations.

In general terms, the Valuer General has not taken into consideration the loss of items including fencing and, in some cases, sheds.

We know this has been disappointing for some residents and Council recognises that the loss of homes, sheds, stock, livelihoods and irreplaceable personal belongings has had a profound impact on affected community members.

If you are not satisfied with the supplementary valuation, the property owner has the right to object within 60 days of receiving the changed valuations. To object please contact (03) 5851 2200 or info@lgvals.com.au

Council knows that the journey ahead may feel overwhelming for bushfire-impacted owners so if you would like to discuss your individual rates notice, a representative from the Rates Department will be available at the Recovery Hub on the following days:

• Wednesday, 24 June from 10am to 3pm
• Thursday, 25 June from 11.30 to 3pm

Ratepayers, whether fire-affected or not, who are having difficulty meeting rate payment timeframes are encouraged to contact Council to discuss alternative payment arrangements.

For the 2026-27 rating year, property owners in the fire-affected area may see a reduction or change to the Site Improved Value, Capital Improved Value and Net Annual Value values of the property. The property owner will have the right to object to the 2026-27 valuation and can object within 60 days of receiving the first rate notice for 2026-27, due to be distributed in late August 2026.

Council continues its advocacy to the State Government to support impacted residents with rates relief but there was no announcement in the State Budget. Rates relief is expected to cost $5.9 million over three years and Council will continue to ask the State Government to provide this essential support for our residents.

For further information, please contact Council’s Customer Service team on 1800 065 993.