funding · Nillumbik Shire Council
Diamond Creek businesses face proposed $130,000 levy from 2027
Nillumbik councillors have begun the process for a five-year charge funding marketing and promotion through the Diamond Creek Traders Association.
Commercial, retail and professional properties across Diamond Creek’s activity centre are covered by a proposed levy that would raise $130,000 in its first year. Nillumbik Shire Council voted unanimously on 29 September to begin the statutory process for the five-year charge.
The proposed Special Rate Levy would run from 1 July 2027 to 30 June 2032. It would increase annually after the first year by the Consumer Price Index for Melbourne, with an estimated total of $765,000 over the five-year term.
The money would go to the Diamond Creek Traders Association for marketing, promotion and related activities, including events, business development and digital services intended to promote Diamond Creek as a place to visit, shop and dine.
The levy would apply to rateable properties used for commercial, retail and professional purposes across the proposed activity centre. The area includes 1 to 57 Chute Street, 2 to 24 Elizabeth Street, 1 to 9 Collins Street, 29 to 126 Main Hurstbridge Road, 10 to 39 George Street, 11 to 25 Station Street, 16 Hyde Street, 3 to 5 Inglis Street and 49 to 77 Main Street.
Each property’s share would be calculated proportionally using its Capital Improved Value at the time the levy is imposed. The current scheme has an annual value of $120,000 and expires on 30 June 2027.
The Diamond Creek Traders Association reported 44 responses to its survey of businesses affected by the levy, with 94 per cent supporting renewal.
Council will publish a notice of its intention to declare the levy and send individual letters to property owners and occupiers who would be liable. Submissions will be considered at a Planning and Consultation Committee meeting in 2027.
After submissions are heard, councillors will decide whether to adopt, modify, defer or abandon the proposal at a Council meeting later in 2027.
Reference minutes
Nillumbik Shire Council, Council Meeting - 29 Sep 2026.
Key facts from the minutes
- The proposed levy would raise $130,000 in year one and an estimated $765,000 over five years.
- The proposed term is 1 July 2027 to 30 June 2032, with annual CPI indexation after the first year.
- Funds would go to the Diamond Creek Traders Association for marketing, events, business development and digital services.
- The proposed area includes commercial, retail and professional properties across Chute Street, Elizabeth Street, Collins Street, Main Hurstbridge Road, George Street, Station Street, Hyde Street, Inglis Street and Main Street.
- The levy would be calculated proportionally according to each property’s Capital Improved Value.
- Public notice, individual letters and a submissions process will precede a final Council decision in 2027.
Why it matters
- Commercial, retail and professional properties in the defined Diamond Creek activity centre may be liable for the proposed levy from July 2027. Public notice, individual letters and a submissions process will come before a final decision.