Rates notices due 3 November

Central Highlands ratepayers will have an extra 30 days to pay their second half-yearly rates notices, which were issued in early September. Read the following frequently asked questions for more information.

When are the notices due?

The notices, which cover the period from July to December 2020, are payable by close of business 3 November 2020.

Usually the payment period is 30 days from the issue date, but it is now 60 days after council resolved to provide an extension.

Ratepayers who pay their notice in full, including arrears, by this date will receive a five percent discount.

Why is the discount incentive on rates and utility charges now 5%?

The money saved by reducing the discount incentive has helped us to keep the rates and charges increases as low as possible.

The discount is comparable to other Queensland councils and CHRC remains one of the few that offer the incentive for both general rates and utility charges – most councils only offer the discount on general rates.

I still haven’t received my last water bill?

There have been some unforeseen delays in issuing around 1600 water notices from the second half of the 2019-20 financial year.

These are expected to be sent over the next fortnight. If you still have not received yours by the end of this month, please contact our customer service team.

What are my options if I am struggling financially?

There are several payment options available for people who might find it difficult to pay their account, including direct debit or periodical payments.

Council has also recently adopted a financial hardship policy in response to the COVID-19 pandemic providing concessions for short-term payment extensions and interest or rebate freezes for eligible applicants.

Call 1300 242 686 to talk through your options.

How do our rates compare to other regions?

It is very difficult to make any meaningful comparison between rates levied by different councils. Although councils do provide similar services, the level and type of services will vary and this will impact on the amount of general rates being charged. Councils also have different financial goals, plans, and visions for their communities which are used when setting their budgets and rates.

Another factor is the mix of revenue types available to councils and this is a combination of rates, user fees and charges, government grants and assistance, and business unit income. Council’s with higher levels of income other than rates may be able to charge lower rates.

For answers to more FAQs on rates click here.

For more information on council’s 2020-21 budget click here.