Council extends due date for rates

Lockyer Valley Regional Council will extend the discount date and due date for payment of the first rates levy of the 2020/2021 financial year.

At today's Special Meeting of Council, Councillors voted to extend the due date and discount date from 11 September 2020 to 25 September 2020.

Lockyer Valley Finance Portfolio Councillor Chris Wilson said the extension was necessary to allow rate payers adequate time to take advantage of the discount period.

"Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have experienced a delay in property owners receiving their rates notices as a result of interruptions in mail processing times.

"This is being experienced Australia-wide, and unfortunately we are not immune to these challenges.

"Our rates notices were received at Australia Post on 12 August 2020, but the majority were delivered during the week beginning 24 August, which leaves only a two-week period until the due date," Cr Wilson said.

Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor, Cr Tanya Milligan said the amended date of 25 September 2020 would apply to all property owners.

"As an organisation, we are committed to assisting our community through this pandemic and we will do what we can to make sure we get through this together.

"We are also aware our region is still drought-declared, and those ongoing challenges certainly won't ease anytime soon.

"Council is committed to supporting all ratepayers and we encourage anyone who is yet to receive their notice to contact Council on 1300 005 872 or via email to request a copy of their notice via email.

"Residents can also choose to receive their notice via email moving forward," Mayor Milligan said.

Council's Hardship Policy is available for residents experiencing financial hardship. To apply or for more information, contact Council on 1300 005 872 or email mailbox@lvrc.qld.gov.au.