From rangers to roads, rates help pay for core services
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Posted on September 10, 2021
Central Highlands Regional Council’s first half-yearly general rates notices will be issued on 27 September, with water notices to follow in late October.
The general rates notices, which cover July to December 2021, are due by 5.00 pm 28 October 2021.
Water levy notices will be issued on 30 October 2021 and will be due by 5.00 pm 30 November 2021.
Mayor Kerry Hayes said rates and utility charges are council’s main source of income, helping cover the costs of council’s 60-plus core services.
‘Nobody likes bills, but rates and water charges are important in ensuring council can continue to provide our communities with access to vital services and infrastructure,’ he said.
‘These are things such as parks, running water, animal management, roads, community grants, waste facilities, libraries and footpaths.
‘This financial year, council will deliver a $59.9 million capital works program to build and upgrade our facilities and networks. To find out what this means for your area, keep an eye out for our recently developed suite of factsheets which will be available on council’s website soon.’
Council has also commenced its first issue of supplementary rates for the financial year. Supplementary notices are sent out to applicable properties throughout the year, generally every month. Supplementary notices are issued by council when there has been a change to a property’s rating record, such as a property transfer, valuation or classification change.
General rates, utility and supplementary levies all attract a 5% discount if paid by the relevant due date.
There are several payment options for people who might find it difficult to pay their account, including direct debit or periodical payment plans.
Each ratepayer’s situation is unique, so if you have any questions about your account or you would like to arrange a payment plan, please get in touch with our customer service team on 1300 242 686 as soon as you can.
For answers to some frequently asked questions about rates, head here.