Outstanding rates
We're here to help
If you're having difficulty paying your rates and charges, please contact us as early as possible.
We understand that circumstances can change, and we're committed to working with residents to find a suitable way forward. Getting in touch early gives us the best opportunity to discuss payment options and help you avoid further recovery action.
Support with paying your rates
If you're unable to pay your rates by the due date, don't ignore the issue.
Our Rates Team can talk with you about your circumstances and discuss available payment options. In many cases, early communication can help prevent an account from progressing through the recovery process.
Who should I contact?
If you've received a rates notice or reminder notice, contact Council's rates team if you:
• Have questions about your rates account
• Are experiencing financial difficulty
• Would like to discuss payment options
• Have received a reminder notice.
If you've received correspondence from Council's recovery agent
If your account has been referred to Council's appointed recovery agent, they will become your main point of contact. The recovery agent can assist with:
• Payment arrangements
• Questions about your outstanding balance
• Information about the next steps in the process.
How the overdue rates process works
1. Rates notice issued
Council issues rates notices twice each year, typically in July and January.
2. Reminder notice
If your rates remain unpaid after the due date, Council may issue a reminder notice asking you to pay the outstanding amount or contact us to discuss your options.
3. Contact Council
At this stage, you can contact Council to discuss your account and any available payment arrangements.
4. Referral to Council's recovery agent
If the account remains unpaid and unresolved, it may be referred to Council's appointed recovery agent. The agent can discuss suitable payment arrangements to help resolve the outstanding balance.
5. Further recovery action
If no payment arrangement has been established and the outstanding balance remains unresolved, formal recovery action may be considered.
Our approach
Council aims to balance two important responsibilities:
• supporting ratepayers who may be experiencing financial hardship
• responsibly managing public funds on behalf of the community.
We encourage anyone concerned about paying their rates to contact us as early as possible.
Frequently asked questions
I can't pay my rates. What should I do?
Contact Council as soon as possible. Our team can discuss your circumstances and available payment options.
What happens if I miss the due date?
Council may issue a reminder notice asking you to pay the outstanding amount or contact us to discuss your options.
Can I set up a payment arrangement?
Payment arrangements may be available to help you manage an outstanding balance over time.
What should I do if I receive a reminder notice?
A reminder notice is an opportunity to either pay the outstanding amount or contact Council before the matter progresses further.
What happens if my account is referred to a recovery agent?
The recovery agent becomes your main point of contact and can discuss payment arrangements and options to help resolve the outstanding balance.
Will legal action happen straight away?
No. Council provides opportunities for ratepayers to pay their account or engage with us before further recovery action is considered.
Why does Council recover overdue rates?
Rates help fund the services, facilities and infrastructure that our community relies on. Council has a responsibility to manage these public funds fairly and ensure all ratepayers contribute their share.
More information
For more details, read Council's Rates and Charges Debt Management and Recovery Policy 2026-27.
If you're worried about paying your rates, please contact Council as early as possible to discuss your options.