funding · Nillumbik Shire Council
Hurstbridge businesses face proposed $480 charge from July 2027
Nillumbik Shire Council has advanced a three-year precinct charge that would raise $32,160 in its first year for marketing and promotion.
Hurstbridge commercial, retail and professional properties would each carry a proposed $480 charge in the first year of a renewed business precinct scheme, with the plan to raise $32,160 from 1 July 2027.
Nillumbik Shire Council advanced the proposed Special Rate Charge for the Hurstbridge Township Business Precinct for three years, ending on 30 June 2030. The charge would apply to rateable properties used for commercial, retail and professional purposes within the defined precinct.
The area includes properties along 784 to 1075 Heidelberg-Kinglake Road and at 4 Parker Road, Hurstbridge.
Revenue would fund marketing, promotion and other incidental expenses intended to encourage commerce in the precinct. Council classified those activities as a special benefit to the property owners and occupiers required to pay the charge, arising from its role in encouraging commerce and employment in the municipality.
Consultation by the Hurstbridge Township Association received 36 responses, with 95 per cent supporting renewal of the charge. The $480 amount would apply in year one, then increase in years two and three according to the Consumer Price Index for All Groups Melbourne. The estimated total raised across the three-year period is $102,000.
The proposal also allows a property owner or tenant to apply to pay one property charge where the same legal entity, operating under the same trading name, occupies two or more separate rateable properties. Interest may accrue on unpaid charges under section 172 of the Local Government Act 1989, with the Shire's standard practice for unpaid rates and charges applying.
The chief executive officer was authorised to publish the required notice, while the Economic Development and Tourism Lead will send individual letters to affected property owners and occupiers. Submissions will be considered by the Planning and Consultation Committee in 2027 before Council decides whether to adopt, modify, defer or abandon the charge.
Reference minutes
Nillumbik Shire Council decided the proposal at its Council Meeting on 29 September 2026.
Key facts from the minutes
- The proposed charge would run from 1 July 2027 to 30 June 2030.
- Each listed property would pay a flat $480 in the first year.
- The scheme would raise $32,160 in year one and an estimated $102,000 over three years.
- The affected area includes 784 to 1075 Heidelberg-Kinglake Road and 4 Parker Road, Hurstbridge.
- The charge would fund marketing, promotion and related expenses for the Hurstbridge Township Business Precinct.
- Consultation received 36 responses, with 95 per cent supporting renewal.
- Submissions will be considered in 2027 before a final Council decision.
Why it matters
- Listed Hurstbridge business properties would face a $480 first-year charge, with the money directed to precinct marketing, promotion and related expenses rather than general council services.