Mornington Peninsula Shire ratepayers have contacted STPL News after receiving higher-than-expected rates instalment notices, with some claiming their billed amount increased sharply without a clear explanation.
STPL News has received multiple emails from residents describing unexpected changes to their latest instalment notice amounts.
A man from Somerville told STPL News his instalment notice appeared to double compared with what he expected to pay.
A woman from Moorooduc also told STPL News her notice had significantly increased and speculated about council’s motives. STPL News has not verified any motive for the increases, and the shire has attributed the issue to a system error.
Other media outlets have also reported readers raising similar concerns about unexpected increases in rates instalment notices.
Council confirms incorrect notices were issued
According to the Herald Sun, a council spokesperson confirmed 140 incorrect rates notices had been sent and attributed the error to a new automated computer system.
The spokesperson reportedly said Mornington Peninsula Shire had met with four other councils using the same system who had experienced similar issues, and the councils were jointly writing to the software provider seeking urgent action.
Rates instalment due date
The shire’s published rates payment information lists the following instalment due dates for 2025–26:
- First instalment: 30 September 2025
- Second instalment: 30 November 2025
- Third instalment: 28 February 2026
- Fourth instalment: 31 May 2026
The shire’s website also states that if paying rates in full, payment is due by 15 February 2026.
Reminder for ratepayers
Ratepayers who believe their notice is incorrect should confirm the amount payable directly with the shire using official contact details before making payment.
The shire also advises residents to be cautious about scams, including phone calls or letters claiming to be from council, and recommends calling the shire back via official channels if there is any doubt.
Rating Strategy Review consultation
The reports of incorrect notices come while the shire is consulting on a Rating Strategy Review, including proposed changes to how the “pay in full” option may work in future years.
Council’s published consultation material states the February “pay in full” option would be removed, with ratepayers who prefer a single payment able to pay all four instalments together at the end of September instead. The shire says instalment payments would remain the same, and the change would begin from 2027–28 if adopted.
What to do if your notice looks wrong
- Compare your instalment amount with earlier correspondence or your rates notice for the 2025–26 year.
- Contact the shire using official phone numbers or website details if the amount appears incorrect.
- If you receive a call or letter and you are unsure it is legitimate, do not use contact details provided by the caller or letter. Call council back via official channels.
