Rate notices coming with options for email

1 August 2018 - Media release

Campaspe Shire property owners will be mailed their rate notices in the coming weeks.

Mayor, Cr Adrian Weston said each rate notice will also include an explanatory rate brochure and waste voucher for the Campaspe Shire transfer stations valued at $37.

“Also included is information on how property owners can choose to receive next year’s notice via email instead of traditional printed mail,” Cr Weston said.

“In addition to the environmental benefits of printing on less paper, for many rate payers email is their preferred method for receiving notifications.”

Approximately half of council’s income stream is received through rates which contributes to the capital works program and assists in delivering more than 100 services to the community. Other revenue is received through fees and charges and state and federal government grants.

The amount of rates paid depends on a property’s value, based on a January 2018 valuation, and its rating category, Cr Weston said. "So, for example, a residential property valued at $320,000 would pay about $1,390 in rates plus the $200 municipal charge, which is applied to all rateable properties to recover part of the administrative costs of operating council.”

The rate notice also details waste and recycling services selected by the landowner for the property as well as the Fire Services Property Levy.

The notice sets out the due dates for payments by instalments; which are 30 September, 30 November, 28 February and 31 May and also the date for paying in full, 15 February 2019. There are several ways to pay your rates, including direct debit, BPAY, in person at a council or Australia Post customer service centre, or by credit card.

Cr Weston highlighted that ratepayers who have elected to pay by direct debit on an ongoing basis do not need to do anything, the direct debit authorisation will continue.

“Ratepayers with multiple properties, who only receive one waste voucher in their rate package, are encouraged to make contact to arrange for additional vouchers to be provided.”

“Any ratepayer facing genuine financial hardship in paying their rates is urged to contact council as soon as possible to discuss individual circumstances,” Cr Weston said.