Please note: this is an archived news article release

This article was published on Thursday, 19 May, 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 The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate.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.

Last rates instalment due soon

Unfortunately, due to ongoing staff shortages, the Customer Service Centre is closed for walk in payments and enquiries however the team can still assist you over the phone.

If you prefer to pay your rates in person you can do this at any Post Office. You can also pay your rates via internet or telephone banking or by visiting Council’s website for online payments.

There are many other payments, requests and enquiries that can be made online on Council’s website. This includes animal registrations, infringement notices, licensing payments such as pool and spa registrations, permits, and planning and building applications.

Director Corporate Services, Chris Teitzel is encouraging residents to explore Council’s website to see the extent of online services that save you time.

“The website provides a streamlined way to resolve issues or make an enquiry or payment. It includes everything from reporting an issue in your street, applying for advertising sign permits for your business to a busking permit and reserving parking bays,” he said.

“The easiest way to find these sections is on the home page where the most common topics are displayed. We also have translated information in eight languages other than English to assist our multicultural community.”

Unfortunately like many businesses in Greater Shepparton, Council are experiencing staff shortages in some departments but most significantly in Customer Service.”

“We understand it is not desirable to have the Customer Service counter closed for in-person enquiries but the decision to close the counter temporarily has not been taken lightly,” Mr Teitzel said.

“We had some resignations right on Christmas, and more recently, plus unexpected leave. The majority of the remaining staff are new, and while we have filled most of the vacancies there is a steep learning curve to get everyone up to speed, knowledgeable about Council, the online systems and the processes.

“At times we have only had two or three staff a day rather than six and as historically most enquiries are via the phone we had to make the difficult decision to close the doors temporarily.

“We thank residents and ratepayers for their patience and look forward to greeting our residents in person again.”

For more information or to find out what options are available to you, contact Council via email council@shepparton.vic.gov.au or call 5832 9700 between 9am and 4pm. We are experiencing over 400 calls per day so you may experience a short wait, or you can visit our website for more options.