Further rates relief on the way

Council has extended rate relief options for Barossa ratepayers impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

People who have become unemployed or experienced business failure or hardship can now apply to defer outstanding 2020-21 rates and charges until 31 January 2021, without any fines or charges. This also applies to other accrued years’ balances.

Mayor Bim Lange said Council saw a clear need to extend rate payment deferral beyond the initial six months.

“Now the impacts of Covid-19 are better known, we felt there was a strong case for extending hardship provisions and that a rapid response was needed,” he said.

"This complements a range of economic and community rebuilding measures in our Barossa Covid-19 Recovery Plan that collectively will help our community get back on their feet.

“We feel this is a socially responsible decision that is possible because of Council’s strong financial position.”

So far Council has received applications for rate relief across a range of rateable assessments including residential, commercial, B&Bs and primary production.

People can apply to defer rates online or view the eligibility criteria in Council’s Rates Hardship Policy.

Applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.