Warrnambool council budgets for $1.7m in unpaid rates as hardship surges
Warrnambool council budgets for $1.7 million in unpaid rates as cost-of-living pressures surge.
Warrnambool residents are struggling to pay council rates at record levels. The council has set aside $1.7 million for bills expected to remain unpaid, up 20 per cent from last year.
Applications for the council's $250 hardship rebate have soared to 122 for the current financial year, compared to 76 last year, 64 in 2023-24, and 44 two years ago. Overdue rate notices are up 20 per cent and unpaid fines are up 16 per cent.
The council finished the year with a $3.3 million surplus, well below the $7.5 million budgeted. Councillor Billy Edis said the figures show the severe cost-of-living pressures residents face.
- $1.7 million
- Budgeted for unpaid rates
- 122
- Hardship rebate applications 2025-26
- 76
- Hardship rebate applications 2024-25
- 20 per cent
- Overdue rate notices increase
Why it mattersWhen councils budget large amounts for unpaid bills, it signals real hardship in the community and strains on local services and infrastructure.
AustraliaShows cost of living crisis severity in regional Victoria; rising debts and hardship applications indicate struggle in similar Australian towns.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 7 d ago
