Payment of Rates
Council has fixed the method of payment for the 2011/2012 financial year as four equal instalments due as follows:
1st Instalment - 30th September, 2011
2nd Instalment -30th November, 2011
3rd Instalment - 29th February, 2012
4th Instalment - 31st May, 2012
Before each instalment is due, a rate notice will be forwarded approximately 4 weeks prior to the due date. The notice will indicate the amount due and the date by which payment must be received. Remember that late payments will incur interest charges. (Please see the back of your Rate Notice.)
Difficulties with Payments
Any person unable to pay their rates in accordance with the payment scheme described above should contact the Rates Department in writing. This will minimise any interest you may have to pay.
Council wishes to offer some further relief to those who are finding difficulty in meeting their rate commitments due to the recent rise in property valuations.
Firstly Council would be willing to design individual payment plans which would allow for instance, for pensioners to pay on a fortnightly basis so it may assist their budgeting process. Ratepayers who receive Centrelink payments can apply through either Council or Centrelink to have fortnightly payments taken directly from their allowance and paid to Council at no cost to the ratepayer. Interest would continue to be charged on rate arrears.
The second option would be to actually defer payment. This would mean that the rates would become a charge on the property and the charge would incur interest over time but it would stop the immediate cash pressures on individuals.
For example if a property as at the 2008 valuation was valued at $300,000 and the property attracted an increase of 40%; the capital value would’ve increased by $120,000 whereas the rates payable over two years would only be a fraction of that. This means that the property owner has increased wealth of $120,000 but yet it would not be recognised in cash terms.
By opting for deferment and making the rates an outstanding charge on the property, the property owner does not then have the worry of financing their rate payment. The debt that the property acquires would be settled on disposal of the property.
Note that Interest would continue to be charged on the arrears balance.
Council believes that both options will be of interest to some people and we are certainly willing to investigate your wish to accept Council’s special payment options.
If you have the need to either defer payment of rates or arrange an alternative rate payment plan, please contact our Rates Co-ordinator who will be able to help you in this regard.
Council would like to stress that it sees the need to treat this delicate issue sensitively and confidentially. Your personal details are a matter of confidence between Council’s Rates Co-ordinator and you.
Payment Options
For the payment of Council rates, the following options are available:
1. Payment at any Post Office.
Simply present your notice intact at any Post Office in Australia. Payments by Credit Card are not accepted through this method.
2. Payment by Phone or Internet using Australian Post billpay.
Simply phone 131816 to pay by Credit Card or go to postbillpay.com.au to make secure payments over the internet.
3. Payment by Phone or Internet using B-PAY
Contact your participating bank, Credit Union or Building Society to make this payment directly from your cheque, savings or credit account. When prompted simply enter the Biller Code and your Customer Account Number shown on the front of your notice.
4. Payment in Person at Municipal Office.
Present your rate notice to a Customer Service Officer and a receipt will be issued. You can pay by cash, cheque, credit or debit card. The Municipal Office is located at 50 Learmonth Street, Queenscliff and hours are 9am to 4.30pm on weekdays with the exception of Public Holidays.
5. Payment by Mail
Detach the slip at the bottom of the rate notice and forward it together with you cheque or money order made out to the "Borough of Queenscliffe". Retain the top part of your notice for your records. A receipt will only be forwarded if requested. To avoid a late payment, allow 3 days for mail delivery.
Pensioner Rebate
The municipal rates concession provides for a rebate of up to a 50% discount off rates and charges. The rebate for 2011/12 is $193.40 and this amount increases with the CPI every year.
Rate concessions are available to holders of Department of Veterans Affairs Concession Cards, TPI , POW, EDA and War Widow Repatriation Cards and Centrelink Pensioner Concession Cards.
To apply contact Council's Customer Service Department and complete an application form. Please note - you will need to bring your Concession Card with you. For more information on concession programs please call 1800 658 521 or visit Department of Human Services website - http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/concessions/entitlements/rates-and-property
Valuations
Your property valuation, known as CIV (Capital Improved Value) is assessed on the market value as at 1 January 2010.
Valuations are returned every two years, and the Borough has completed it's last re-valuation as at the 1st January 2010. These valuations came into effect in the 2010/2011 financial year.
Any changes to property values as a result of property improvements, subdivisions or similar are processed as supplementary valuations. Payment of supplementary notices are due within 21 days of being issued.
An objection to a valuation shown on your rate notice, can be addressed by completing an 'Objection to Valuation' Form. All objections must be lodged within two months of the issue date of the first instalment notice.
More information about the Valuation of Land Act (1960) is available from the Department of Sustainability (DSE) website or by contacting the Borough of Queenscliffe Rates Coordinator.
Residential and Commercial Objection Forms can be downloaded from this page or by following the links on the DSE website.
Change of Ownership or Billing Address
Council must be notified in writing of changes of address, ownership or occupancy.
Changes must be signed by all parties to the property.
Liability for unpaid rates remains with the owner recorded with the Council until a 'Notice of Disposition' (Transferor) and 'Notice of Acquisition' (Transferee) are received from the transferors' and the transferee's solicitor.
Failure to submit a notice within 28 days carries a penalty of $1,000.
A Change of Address Form can be downloaded on this page.
If you require further information or assistance in relation to change of ownership or billing address please contact Council's Customer Service staff on 03 5258 1377or email to info@queenscliffe.vic.gov.au..
