The Local Government Act 1989 allows Victorian Councils to impose a special rate, a special charge, or a combination of both, for works or services on ratepayers who receive “special benefit” from these works or services.
If we implement a special rate or charge scheme, it's usually because:
- Our Engineering Services team has investigated a resident’s complaint or request and found a need to provide infrastructure
- The nature of the works (when considering our policies) will likely provide a “special benefit” to a group of people.
We have implemented a number of these schemes for the construction of unmade roads and for promotional activities in shopping centres. Read more on Current Special Rate and Charge Schemes.
What is “special benefit”?
“A work is of special benefit to a portion of a local authority area if the lands comprising that portion derive from the work a benefit which is not shared by other lands or a benefit which is additional to, or greater than, that which is derived by other lands” - The High Court of Australia.