Rates notices to be issued next week

Central Highlands Regional Council’s half-yearly general rates and charges notices will be posted out to the region’s ratepayers next week, with a 10 per cent discount available to those who pay on time.

The notices, which cover the period from July to December, will be issued on 15 August 2019 and are payable by close of business 17 September 2019.

As of last financial year, general rates are charged independently of the half-yearly water access and consumption charges. The next water access and consumption charges notices will be issued in October.

Mayor Kerry Hayes said the rates collected from some 16 000 properties across the region would help council to continue to deliver vital services and capital projects for the community.

He said while general rates will rise this year by 3%, the increase across the last 4 years was an average of 1.32%.

‘This reflects this council’s commitment to keeping rates increases as low as possible while continuing to improve our region’s liveability,’ he said.

‘From road and water infrastructure maintenance to animal management services and our library programs, council is committed to building a safe and enjoyable lifestyle for our residents.

‘We also try and smooth out any major rating variations by using capping to ensure that increases are never more than 10%.’

Mayor Hayes said while council waste charges had increased overall by 3%, the new state government waste levy would not have a direct impact on residential households.

‘The only direct financial impact through rates will be on commercial and industrial properties with a refuse collection service,’ he said.

‘These ratepayers will notice a $74 per annum increase for each general waste bin as per the levy, not applied to recycling bins.’

Mayor Hayes said if commercial and industrial ratepayers wished to discuss their options regarding their current bin arrangements they could contact council’s customer service team.

‘Once again, ratepayers who pay their rates in full, including arrears, within 30 days of the issue date will receive a ten percent discount,’ he said.

‘However, there are also a number of payment options for people who might find it difficult to pay their account, including direct debit or periodical payments.

‘I urge anyone that thinks they may have trouble paying on time to call and speak to us as soon as possible.’

For more information about rates notices or payment options click here or phone 1300 242 686.