The Council's policy decisions for the collection of unpaid rates are outlined below to assist ratepayers to understand the actions that may be taken in this matter.

In accordance with Section 63 of the Local Government (Finance, Plans and Reporting) Regulation 2010 the Council will grant approval for the payment of rates by way of instalments subject to the following:

1. Eligibility Criteria
   
   Payment of rates by instalments may be granted by the Chief Executive Officer/Director of Financial Services in respect of:
   (a) A dwelling in which the applicant resides as his/her principal place of residence; or
   (b) All other land, where it can be substantiated in writing to the Chief Executive Officer's satisfaction, that the applicant will not be able to pay all rates and charges within the prescribed period.
   
   
2. Conditions
   
   (a) Written applications for the payment of rates and charges by instalment for each half year notice of levy must be received by the Council by 1st October and
   1st March.
   (b) Payments by instalment shall be made by four monthly instalments for each half year notice, or as otherwise agreed by the Chief Executive Officer or his/her delegate, so that the full amount of Rates and Charges are cleared by the 31st January or 30th June.
   (c) Any applicant failing to pay rate instalments in full by the prescribed time shall have their approval automatically withdrawn and the applicant shall be
   notified that legal action will be instituted for recovery of the full amount outstanding if not paid within 14 days.
   (d) No discount will be allowed on such payments.
   (e) A premium will accrue in accordance with Section 63(4) of the Regulations at a rate equivalent to that defined in the Council's interest policy in respect of all rates remaining unpaid as at 45 days from the issue of Rate Notice.
   

Remote payment methods available for the payment of rates include: BPAY, Australia Post, Internet, Credit Card payments over the phone and direct debit. Over the counter payment methods are available for all payments include: EFTPOS, cash, cheque and money orders.

At the end of the 30 day discount period, ratepayers who owe all or part of any rates for three previous years, together with the current year's rates will be included in the schedule of properties listed for sale for arrears of rates in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government (Finance, Plans and Reporting) Regulation 2010.

The Regulations stipulate that rates and charges are payable 30 days after the date of issue of the rates notice. Council's attitude to unpaid rates is one of encouraging ratepayers to meet their obligations as early as possible by making acceptable arrangements for regular instalment payments of the debt. Officers of Council's Rates Section should be advised immediately if ratepayers are unable to meet their agreed commitments. Unless officers are advised of such circumstances, ratepayers may become involved in costly legal action which will be added to the ratepayer's account.
For rate payment information please phone (07) 5481 0632.

Council has introduced reusable envelopes for posting of rate notices. Simply follow the instructions on the envelope and return your payment in the same envelope. No stamp is required.

If any particulars shown on your rate notice are incorrect, please ensure notification is made in writing to Council's Rates Section.

A discount of 5% for prompt payment of the current levy has been calculated and shown on the rate notice and will be allowed, provided the applicable amount due is received by Council on or before the discount expiry date. The discount does not apply to the Environmental Levy, Infrastructure Improvement Charge or Fire
Levy. Payments received in the mail subsequent to the discount expiry date do not qualify for the allowance of discount. Ratepayers mailing their payments are urged to ensure that they are mailed in sufficient time to reach the Council office before the last day of discount to avoid possible loss of the discount.

Deferral of Liability to Pay General Rates
Section 59 of the Local Government (Finance, Plans and Reporting) Regulation 2010

Purpose:

Council's general rate deferment policy is designed to assist pensioners and self funded retirees to remain in their own home to alleviate the immediate financial burden of rates, solely where there has been a substantial increase in land values causing general rate increases beyond the eligible ratepayer's capacity to pay.

Criteria:

1. The applicant/s must have owned and resided in the property for the past 10 years.
   
2. There must be no overdue rates and charges on the subject property.
   
3. The general rate must be 50% more than the minimum general rate and:
   
   • Applicant/s must be over the age of 65 years; and
     
   • Be a holder of a pensioner concession card issued by Department of Social Security or the Department of Veteran Affairs; or
     
   • A Repatriation Health (Gold) card issued by the Department of Veteran Affairs; or
     
   • A Queensland Seniors Card issued by the Queensland State Government; or
     
   • A self-funded retiree who can substantiate to Council continued financial hardship.

Conditions

1. Applicant/s must supply personal financial details as set out in the application form.
   
2. The deferred rates will attract interest at the rate applicable for outstanding rates and charges determined by Council at Budget time in accordance with the Revenue Statement –(currently 11% per annum compounded on a daily basis).
   
3. The applicant/s may pay the sum total or any part of the deferred rates and interest thereon at any time.
   
4. The total amount of deferred rates and interest thereon becomes payable on the sale, transfer or bequeathment of the subject property. Should the owner ommence to receive remuneration from a paid tenancy of the property after entering into a deferment arrangement rates and charges issued after the commencement of paid tenancy are due and payable in full.
   
5. The minimum general rate and charges coming due must be paid by their respective due date. Council will grant a pensioner remission to eligible ratepayers (refer to Rates Policy 4) and allow discount calculated on the minimum general rate and applicable charges as if paid in full in accordance with Rates Policy 2.
   
6. Council must be notified in writing within 30 days of change in ownership or occupancy of the property.
   
7. Where a mortgage exists over the property approval in writing of the mortgagee is required.

On default of any of the deferral arrangement conditions, all unpaid rates and charges become overdue and will be registered as a charge on the land with the registrar of titles by provision of Section 95(A) of the Local Government Act 2009.
For pensioner rebate/remission information please phone: (07) 5481 0632.

Rates are based on the unimproved (vacant) value of a property established by the State Government Department of Environment and Resource Management. Council estimates its revenue, operating expenses and capital works expenditure and adopts a budget each year and after taking into account all other sources of revenue the balance amount required is obtained from rates. The rate in the dollar is determined by dividing the balance amount by the differential split in valuations
of all properties and the resultant differential rates in the dollar are then applied to individual property values. The rate is subject to a minimum amount which is determined by Council to take account of the cost of providing common services and administration costs.

Properties which have no residence or activity associated with them but which are capable of being connected to the water supply or sewerage system are subject to vacant charges for the availability of these services. This charge meets the cost of mains, treatment works etc. (and in the case of water, the cost of dams, storage and elevated tanks) which have been designed to cater for current population and projected growth needs. These costs are spread over all properties which are being serviced or are capable of being serviced.