Townsville ratepayers will receive a new look rates notice in their mailbox or inbox this August.
The new notice seeks to improve the level of information for ratepayers and what they are being charged for by featuring breakdowns of rates, utilities, State Government levies, and eligible concessions.
Business Services and Finance Committee chairperson Margie Ryder said that the new look rates notices would help ratepayers with more information so they know exactly what services they are paying for.
“There is a common misconception that Townsville has some of the highest rates in Queensland, which is simply not true. Different councils invoice their rates and utility charges differently. In Townsville you are billed for your utilities like water, waste and wastewater in the same bill as your general rates. You receive this bill twice a year. Elsewhere, in cities like Brisbane, ratepayers receive separate rates bills for the general rates and waste charges four times a year from Council and an additional bill for their water and sewerage charges four times a year from an independent utility provider. Council’s new look notices will separate which portion is rates, what is being charged for utilities, and how much is going to State Government levies.
Cr Ryder also encouraged residents to sign up for eNotices to make receiving and paying the notices more convenient.
“Council’s eNotices system is the most convenient way to receive both rates and animal registration notices and ensure that they arrive on time and don’t get missed in the mail. We also have a range of payment options available – including credit card, direct debit, bpay and in person, including at post offices – so residents can pay the way that best suits them.”
For more information, or to register for eNotices, visit Council’s website here.