Council providing extension on second rates instalment

To offer some assistance, Council is providing a three week extension to the due date on the second rates instalment. The new due date is now Wednesday 21 December 2022.

Residents are able to make payment any time up until this date, as per the second instalment amount noted on their annual notice. Anyone who believes they will have difficulty making payment of this instalment is urged to get in contact with Council to discuss.

Council’s Director Corporate Services Chris Teitzel said Council hoped this three-week extension would offer some relief during an already stressful time.

“We understand how tough the past month has been for residents and we don’t want to add any more financial stress to the situation. We hope this due date extension offers some relief,” he said.

“We do understand however, that some residents may have difficulty making this payment and we want to hear from those people. Council’s Rates team is available and here to assist anyone who believes they may not be able to pay this instalment.

“We urge residents to get in contact with us to discuss their options and find a suitable solution. We are here to assist so please get in contact.”

Council is also currently undertaking impact assessments to better understand which properties across Greater Shepparton experienced destruction due to the flood event, and the extent of this damage. A Supplementary Valuation may be applicable for these properties where material property destruction has occurred.

This valuation will take into account any flood damage to buildings. These Supplementary Valuation Notices will be issued in early 2023 to properties that qualify and be applied across the remaining instalments, effective as at the date of the flood event.

Mr Teitzel said all of this information would be included inside the rates instalments which will be sent to ratepayers in the coming weeks.

“The rates instalments will include an update on everything the community needs to know, for both people whose properties suffered building damage and for those whose properties did not,” he said.

“We understand that ratepayers may still have been impacted by the floods, even if their properties did not suffer damage, so we are urging everyone to reach out and chat with us about their personal situations.”

Council’s Rates team is available and here to help Monday to Friday, between 8.15am to 5pm, to discuss options and assist in finding a suitable solution. Phone (03) 5832 9700.

Please understand our Rates team will likely be busier than usual as a result of assisting people who are having difficulty making payment of this instalment. If we are unable to take your call, we will take your name and number and return your call at our earliest opportunity.

For more information, visit Council’s website greatershepparton.com.au