2020-21 rates notices to be distributed

Published on 18 August 2020

Gannawarra Shire Council ratepayers will soon receive their rates notices for 2020/21 in the mail or by email.

Distributed each year, rates notices will also include a brochure outlining how rates are calculated and a message about how your rates contribute to the Council budget.

“Rates payments enable Council to deliver its budget, which maintains current services, look after Council assets and deliver projects that will benefit both residents and visitors to the area,” Mayor Lorraine Learmonth said.

“Council also listened to the community’s concerns regarding the financial implications of COVID-19 on everyday costs by restricting the municipal rates increase to 1.5 per cent, which is 0.5 per cent lower than the State Government’s Fair Go Rates System recommendation of 2 per cent.”

Ratepayers can pay their rates in full or by instalments using a number of payment options:

“Details regarding how to use either of these methods are listed on your rates notice,” Mayor Learmonth said.

“Ratepayers may choose to pay their rates in full, with payment due by 15 February 2021.

“The most popular option is by instalments, with the first instalment payment due by 30 September 2020.”

Ratepayers who are experiencing financial hardship are encouraged to contact Council early to request a payment plan.

“This includes people financially impacted by COVID-19, with Council’s COVID-19 Hardship policy outlining options to assist ratepayers who are experiencing temporary financial hardship at this time,” Mayor Learmonth said.

Ratepayers may also choose to receive future rates notices by email, with information regarding how to sign up for this service included in this year’s rates brochure.