If you are having trouble paying your rates, it is best to make contact with Council’s Rates Collection Team to advise your situation as soon as possible. Council issue Reminder Letters to property owners when rates and charges are outstanding. Council may also refer your overdue rates balance to its debt recovery specialists Collection House Limited for further collection activity, where the overdue balance is beyond an acceptable level.
It is also recommended that ratepayers having financial trouble seek independent financial counselling to review their situation. Financial Counsellors provide independent advice and assistance to consumers regarding their financial circumstances free of charge.
UnitingCare in Hervey Bay on 07 4122 9000
National Debt Helpline 1800 007 007 or ndh.org.au
Council has a Financial Hardship Policy designed to assist ratepayers who are experiencing financial hardship and as a result are unable to pay their rates and charges. To apply for Financial Hardship the property must be your principal place of residence and an application including all supporting documentation required, must be submitted to Council.
A panel will assess applications made under Council’s Financial Hardship Policy and recommend to the Director Organisational Services the most appropriate form of assistance to provide. Assistance under this policy is in the form of a hold on debt recovery action and or a hold on interest charges for a maximum of 24 months.
This policy also details assistance available to primary production properties when they are drought declared.
Financial Hardship Council Policy
Financial Hardship Relief Application (Residential)
