Please note: this is an archived news article release

This article was published on Tuesday, 22 November, 2022. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

An update on your rates

To offer assistance, we have provided a three week extension on the due date for the second rates instalments. The new due date is Wednesday 21 December 2022.

2 December 2022: Reminder notices for the second rates instalments have been been sent via email / post.

Frequently Asked Questions

You are able to make payment any time prior to this date, if you would like and are able to do so.

If you believe you will have difficulties making payment of this instalment, please contact Council’s Rates team on (03) 5832 9700 to discuss. We are here to assist.

Council’s Rates team is available and here to help Monday to Friday, between 8.15am to 5pm, to discuss options and assist in finding a suitable solution.

Please understand our Rates team will likely be busier than usual as a result of assisting people who are having difficulty making payment of this instalment.

If we are unable to take your call, we will take your name and number and return your call at our earliest opportunity. Please also see our list of 'Frequently Asked Questions' below.

Supplementary Valuation Notices

Council is currently undertaking impact assessments and gathering information to help us understand which properties have experienced destruction due to the flood event.

A Supplementary Valuation may be applicable for these properties where material property destruction has occurred, which will take into account any flood damage to buildings.

These Supplementary Valuation Notices will be issued in early 2023 to properties that qualify and be applied across the remaining instalments, effective as at the date of the flood event.

Council understands that ratepayers may still have been impacted, even if their properties did not suffer damage.

If this is you and you believe you will have difficulties making payment of this instalment, please contact Council’s Rates team on (03) 5832 9700 to discuss.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is my second rates instalment due?

Council has provided a three week extension on the due date for the second rates instalments. The new due date is Wednesday 21 December 2022.

You are able to make payment any time prior to this date if you would like and are able to do so. Your annual notice confirms the amount of the second instalment, with a reminder notice to be issued in the coming weeks.

How can I pay this rates instalment?

Your second rates instalment can be paid on or before Wednesday 21 December 2022 via your usual payment method. Visit the ‘How to Pay’ section on this page (close this pop-up window first) for further details.

What is Council doing to help ratepayers following the floods?

Council understands it has been an extremely difficult time for the community due to the recent flood event. Council is continuing to work alongside residents to help navigate through our region’s recovery.

To offer some assistance, we have provided a three week extension on the due date for the second rates instalments. Councils’ Rates team is available to assist ratepayers in finding a solution that best suits their circumstances. Please contact the team on (03) 5832 9700 to discuss your options.

What do I do if I will have difficulty making payment?

If you believe you will have difficulties making payment of this instalment, please contact Council’s Rates team on (03) 5832 9700 to discuss. Council’s Rates team is available Monday to Friday, between 8.15am to 5pm.

Please understand our Rates team will likely be busier than usual as a result of assisting people who are having difficulty making payment of this instalment. If we are unable to take your call, we will take your name and number and return your call at our earliest opportunity.

What happens if I have a direct debit arrangement already in place?

Direct debit arrangements will be processed as per the signed direct debit authority.

How and when will homeowners be notified of Supplementary Valuations?

A Supplementary Valuation may be applicable for properties where material property destruction has occurred. Council staff are currently assessing impacted properties and will use this information to determine eligibility.

Supplementary Valuation Notices will be mailed directly to eligible ratepayers in early 2023. Information will be provided with these notices about the next steps, what this means for future rates instalments and what you can do if you do not agree with the valuation.

What if I don’t agree with the amount in the Supplementary Valuation?

As with the annual valuation, ratepayers who receive a supplementary valuation also have a valuation objection process available to them.

Learn more about objections to property valuations here, including details of the timelines and process that applies. Further information can also be obtained by contacting Council’s Rates team on (03) 5832 9700.

What if I don’t receive a Supplementary Valuation despite my property suffering material destruction due to flood water?

Please contact Council’s Rates team. We are available Monday to Friday between 8.15am to 5pm on (03) 5832 9700.

Will there be an extension on the third and fourth instalment due dates?

No, the third and fourth instalment due dates remain as Tuesday 28 February 2023 and Wednesday 31 May 2023.

What do I do if I am unable to receive mail at my usual address?

Please contact Council on (03) 5832 9700 to advise of your current address or to get a copy of the notice sent via email.

I would like to speak with someone. Who can I contact?

Council’s Rates team is available and here to assist with any enquiries. You can contact the team Monday to Friday between 8.15am to 5pm on (03) 5832 9700.