Paying your rates

As a result of COVID-19, a range of initiatives have been actioned to provide community and business support through the legislative and policy mechanisms available to Council, and at this stage, with a particular focus on actions under Council's Hardship Policy. These actions include:

  • Suspension of interest charges on outstanding rates (no application needed)
  • Suspension of debt collection activities (no application needed) ​​​​​

  • Provision to defer quarterly rate instalments for Q4 2019/20 and Q1 2020/21 for all categories of ratepayer (on application, evidence required).

  • Establishment of extended periodic payment plans (on application). ​​​​​

  • Expansion of hardship provisions to incorporate business ratepayers

  • Waiving of lease payments for Council Lease/Licence holders for six months from 1 March to 31 August 2020 for identified tenants.
  • Council tenants currently excluded can apply for consideration based on hardship.

Please read below to find out how to access hardship provisions.

Council encourages any ratepayer experiencing difficulties in making payments to contact Council's rates team on (02) 4934 9700.

Like all councils across the country, rates are levied on a financial year cycle and can be paid in full by the 31 August or you can elect to pay the total amount by four quarterly instalments due on 31 August, 30 November, 28 February and 31 May each year.

Due to the current pandemic, the current interest rate on overdue rates is 0% per annum. This will be re-examined in early 2021.

You can pay your rates in a variety of ways, including through the website, by mail, in person, at Australia Post, by direct debit, over the phone or by using Bpay.

Difficulty and hardship

If you are experiencing difficulty paying your rates, please contact a member of our rates section on 02 4934 9700 to discuss payment options or complete the rate repayment plan application using Adobe Reader.  Once Council has reviewed your repayment application, you will be notified by return email or phone, if it has been accepted or refused.

If you are experiencing financial hardship, please don't hesitate to contact a member of our rates section on 02 4934 9700 to discuss possible options.

 

Pay my rates  Apply for a rates repayment plan

Concessions

Some pensioners are also eligible for mandatory concessions. You can find out more about the pensioner concession policy and application process here.

Online services

There are a range of different online services you can take advantage of through the website including paying your rates online, updating your contact details, changing your rates delivery preference, requesting a rates refund and applying for a Section 603 certificate.

Pay my rates  Apply for a rates repayment plan

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