If you have previously had a payment plan cancelled, you will not be eligible for a new payment plan agreement.
If you are having trouble paying by the due date, you can either:
- apply for an extension (maximum 1 month), or
- apply for a payment plan.
Conditions
You must apply before 17 February 2025 (rates due date) to avoid your rates being classed as overdue and accruing interest.
You must pay your plan in full before 30 June 2025. Interest will be charged to late payments after the respective annual or quarterly instalment due dates.
Choose a payment plan that works for you
Ensure you agree to a plan that you can commit to. Failing to make agreed payments can result in legal action and further penalties as stated under Division 2 of the Local Government Act 1989.
When committing to a payment plan, you must:
- pay a minimum of $20 a week - you can make additional payments at any time
- commit to making weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments
- start payments within 1 month of applying for a payment plan.
What happens next
We will review your application and send you the outcome within 10 business days. Please note that if you previously had a payment plan cancelled, you will not be eligible for a new agreement.
You should begin making payments according to your commencement date and not wait for your plan agreement letter, as mail delivery can sometimes be delayed.
Approved payment applicants must set up regular payments with their financial institution (BPAY or SecurePay). Your rates notice includes details about the various payment methods available.
Failing to make planned payments
If, for any reason, you can't make a scheduled payment, please get in touch with us as early as possible. Failing to pay your rates payments could result in legal action and further penalties.
- Interest will be charged to all late payments after the respective annual or quarterly instalment due dates. This is under Section 172 of the Local Government Act 1989.
- If you default two planned payments within a two-year period, we will cancel your plan, and you will not be able to enter a new agreement.
- Penalty interest (currently 10% per annum) will be charged until arrears are paid in full.
- Legal action will commence two years after the agreement's cancellation. Customers are encouraged to continue to make payments to reduce the debt; however, this will not constitute an agreement and will not affect the Council's legal ability to commence legal proceedings.