Rates paid for destroyed properties

Photograph: The NSW Government has paid the third and fourth quarter rates for those properties destroyed in the summer’s bushfires.

6 May 2020

Bega Valley Shire Council is pleased that our NSW State Government partners (through Services NSW) have completed payment of the third and fourth quarter rates for all properties destroyed in the summer’s bushfire crisis.

On receiving this, Council’s revenue team have taken quick action and this week written to all the relevant property owners informing them of the situation.

Council’s Director of Business and Governance, Iliada Bolton, said the fires have brought huge challenges for all, but especially those who had lost properties, and Council remains unwavering in our support.

“The resilience and spirit of those impacted has been remarkable and inspiring. The support that has come from across the country and the world has been fantastic, providing much-needed momentum as we collectively embark on the recovery process,” Ms Bolton said.

“These payments will be reflected in the assessments moving forward and we hope this will provide those who have lost so much with a small boost in these extremely tough times.”

“This important development is part of a detailed framework that has been established around the minimising and waiving of rates, fees and charges and advocacy for our community to the other levels of Government.”

At last week’s Council meeting, Councillors resolved, in line with staff recommendations, to suspend new debt recovery action, remove account keeping fees, interest on overdue amounts, late and reminder fees, and support ratepayers to establish payment plans.

There was also an additional focus on Council managed and owned facilities, with the General Manager granted the ability to negotiate and implement deferrals of rental payments for up to one year for tenants who can show financial hardship; rental increases will be frozen; and interest free payment arrangements have been extended, now available for a period of up to 24 months.

Further, lease and licences fees for some Council owned and managed land and buildings have been waived and Council fees for food, skin penetration and beauty therapist premises will be waived for the 2020-21 financial year.

Those requiring more information about these support arrangements are asked to put them in writing via email to [email protected] or via the post to PO Box 492, Bega NSW 2550.

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