Rates payment deadlines extended for first and second instalments

Published on 22 September 2020

Mildura Rural City Council ratepayers who opt to pay their rates in instalments will have more time to make their first two payments as part of an ongoing range of COVID-19 relief measures.

2020-21 rates notices will be delivered this week, outlining the following amended schedule for the first two quarterly instalments:

  • First instalment: Wednesday 14 October 2020 (previously 30 September)
  • Second instalment: Monday 14 December 2020 (previously 30 November)

 Third and fourth quarter instalment deadlines, and the full upfront payment deadline, remain the same at this stage:

  • Third instalment: Monday 1 March 2021
  • Fourth instalment: Monday 31 May 2021
  • Full upfront payment: Monday 15 February 2021.

While Council Service Centres are currently closed to the public, rates can be paid online using BPAY, Australia Post Billpay or over the phone by calling 13 18 16. Payments can also be made by presenting rates notices at any Australia Post outlet.

Ratepayers can also set up direct debit payments by completing a Direct Debit Request Form via Council’s website.

Council’s Chief Executive Officer Sarah Philpott said the deadline extensions were among a broader suite of relief measures in recognition of the hardship faced by many residents due to COVID-19.

“It’s been a long and tough year so far due to the pandemic, and we know that for many residents the prolonged period of restrictions is causing mounting pressure in numerous ways,” Ms Philpott said. 

“We encourage those impacted by the pandemic who may find it difficult to make their rates payments to let us know so we can support them at this challenging time.”

In a show of support to ratepayers, any interest accrued on overdue rates from 1 March 2020 will be waived until 31 December 2020. This will apply to those who have already registered for Financial Hardship due to COVID-19 and those who may register in the future.

To register for Financial Hardship and qualify for the interest waivers go to www.mildura.vic.gov.au/coronavirus 

The interest waivers are among a range of measures Mildura Rural City Council has introduced in direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic. All up Council has committed more than $2.2 million to support residents, businesses, and community and sporting groups.

Other measures include:

  • 2020/21 rates for 86 different community groups, clubs and organisations have been waived
  • Footpath Trading Permit renewal fees have been waived for up to 203 businesses
  • Food premises registration renewal fees have been waived for up to 601 establishments
  • Public Health and Wellbeing registration renewal fees have been waived for 89 accommodation providers and 96 beauty, tattoo and skin penetration businesses
  • Up to 23 eligible commercial Council tenants will have their 2020/21 lease and licence fees waived
  • 2020/21 lease and licence fees have been waived for 103 community and cultural groups.

Council has also established a Community Relief Service, which continues to provide vital support to locals impacted by the pandemic including connection to social and community support groups, access to food parcels and referral to key support agencies among numerous different measures.

For more information or to access the service visit www.mildura.vic.gov.au/coronavirus, phone (03) 5018 8588 Monday to Friday between 8am and 5pm or email communityrelief@mildura.vic.gov.au

ENDS

 

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