Special rate and charge schemes

What is a special rate and charge scheme?

The Local Government Act 1989 (‘the Act’) enables councils to levy a special rate, a special charge, or a combination of these, to help pay for projects or activities that provide a ‘special benefit’ to a particular group of ratepayers.

Special rate and charge schemes for shopping centre marketing and business development

A special rate and/or special charge may be levied against each rateable property in a shopping centre precinct for the purpose of marketing and business development.

Any shopping centre in Boroondara can request a special rate or charge scheme through Council. You will need to have an incorporated traders/business association to represent all businesses in the centre. The introduction or renewal of a scheme involves multiple steps, and it can take up to 12 months to complete this process. The schemes are usually in place for 5 years.

Traders/business associations may spend the scheme funds on promotion and marketing activities, centre management, business development and other incidental expenses associated with the business of shopping centres.

Where a scheme is in place, Council collects the levy with the annual general rates. The collected scheme funds are distributed to the shopping centre traders/business association twice a year. The association needs to submit plans, financial reports, governance documentation and other information to Council to receive the funds.

Renewal of Burwood Village and Camberwell Special Rate and Charge

The current Burwood Village Special Rate and Charge and Camberwell Special Rate and Charge are due to expire on 30 June 2026.

On 15 December 2025, Council resolved to give public notice in February 2026 of its intention to declare a Burwood Village Special Rate and Charge and Camberwell Special Rate and Charge (Proposed Schemes), in line with section 163 of the Local Government Act 1989. The Proposed Schemes will start on 1 July 2026 and remain in force for a period of 5 years, ending 30 June 2031.

The following public notices contain information on the proposed declaration, a map of the scheme area, and the process for making a submission and/or objection in writing by Tuesday 10 March 2026:

•    Public notice – Notice of intention to declare Burwood Village Special Rate and Charge
•    Public notice – Notice of intention to declare Camberwell Special Rate and Charge

Which businesses in Boroondara participate in a special rate and charge scheme?

There are 53 shopping centres in Boroondara.

Of these, 11 are represented by a traders/business association, whose role is to coordinate activities and represent the needs and interests of the businesses in each centre. As incorporated associations, they are governed by Consumer Affairs Victoria under the Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012.

Seven of the 11 shopping centres currently have a special rate and charge scheme in place. These are:

• Ashburton Village represented by Ashburton Shopping Centre Traders Association.
• Burwood Village represented by Burwood Village Traders Association.
• Camberwell Junction represented by Camberwell Centre Association.
• Glenferrie Road Hawthorn represented by Glenferrie Road Hawthorn Shopping Centre Association.
• Greythorn Shopping Centre represented by Greythorn Traders Association.
• Kew Junction represented by Kew Junction Business Association.
• Maling Road represented by Maling Road Business Association.

The 4 shopping centres represented by traders/business associations that do not have a special rate and charge scheme are:

• Auburn Village represented by Auburn Village Traders.
• Balwyn North Village represented by North Balwyn Traders Association.
• Hartwell Village represented by Hartwell Association of Residents and Traders.
• Union Road Surrey Hills represented by Union Road Surrey Hills Traders Association.

What are the benefits of a special rate and charge scheme to businesses?

Collectively, the 7 special rate and charge schemes in Boroondara raise approximately $1.3m each year. These funds enable the traders/business associations to pay a coordinator to assist with key tasks such as:

• developing and coordinating marketing activities, events and activations to promote traders and attract visitors to the centre
• overseeing the shopping centre’s online channels and campaigns
• attracting investment to the precinct
• advocating to Council and other levels of government on behalf of the traders and the centre
• providing support, and facilitating networking opportunities and training to local traders.

Generally speaking, special rate and charge schemes increase the capacity of local shopping centres to:

• become social hubs for the local community
• facilitate a ‘buy and support local’ culture
• initiate and promote information sharing and collaboration with community organisations and local councils.

More information

Contact us for support in setting up a traders/business association or a special rate and charge scheme:

• Phone (03) 9278 4444
• Email [email protected].

Download more information below, including details on the process to set up a special rate and charge scheme.