Overview

• The council discovered the 12-year error after staff misinterpreted legislation in 2013 and never approved a resolution to charge the full 0.5 penalty units.
• About 248,000 fines issued between July 2013 and June 11, 2025 were priced $43–59 above authorised levels across 11 infringement types, from overstaying limits to parking outside designated bays.
• Residents can apply online for partial refunds through a 12-month opt-in scheme launching early July, even if they no longer have the original notice.
• Total refunds are projected at $10 million to $14 million, which the council says it will absorb without cutting community services.
• Fines Victoria has been notified and will pause processing of any unpaid affected fines while the refund program is active.