Repayment plans to help financial impacted ratepay

Published: 13 May 2020. (Note: information was correct at date of publication but may have since been changed or superseded.)

Ratepayers who are experiencing financial hardship as a result of the coronavirus pandemic are being urged to contact Council before half-yearly rates payment deadline on 27 May to review their repayment options.

At today’s meeting, Council endorsed a COVID-19 Financial Hardship Program to provide rates and charges assistance to those ratepayers experiencing financial hardship as a result of the coronavirus by way of extended payments plans and interest waivers.

“There are many, many people in our community who are struggling as a result of this unprecedented crisis,” Mayor Bob Manning said.

“People are asking for support; I am here to say that we hear you, we understand and we will work with you during this difficult time.”

In February, Council endorsed a three-month extension of the due date for the half-year rates, from 27 February to 27 May.

With the extended May 27 deadline just two weeks away, Cr Manning urged anyone who was going to find it difficult to make a payment to contact Council to discuss their options.

“We know that this crisis has impacted the livelihoods of thousands of people; up to 30 per cent of ratepayers could be affected,” Cr Manning said.

“Councils is here to work with those people who are doing it tough, to find ways we can help them through this difficult time.”

The Financial Hardship Program will enable ratepayers to contact Council and establish an appropriate repayment agreement (extending beyond standard terms) in exchange for a waiver of interest charges.

Ratepayers are encouraged to contact Council to engage the Financial Hardship Program before the rates due date, 27 May.

To access the Financial Hardship Program, fill in and submit the online form at www.cairns.qld.gov.au/covidhardship. For any enquiries email [email protected]