Council Introduces Financial Relief Measures for Residents

Council has introduced new financial relief measures to assist Mount Isa ratepayers who are experiencing hardship during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

At its Ordinary Meeting on Wednesday, March 25, Council agreed to defer any interest charges for outstanding property and water rates for three months, from March 30, 2020 until June 30, 2020. The time extension will be reviewed closer to this date to assess the need for further extension.

The measures also mean that ratepayers will not incur a financial penalty if they pay their latest rates after the April 30, 2020 due date (but before June 30, 2020).

Mayor Joyce McCulloch, who is the Chair of the Mount Isa Local Disaster Management Group, said the measures were brought in help alleviate the difficulties locals may be currently experiencing or face in the coming weeks and months due to COVID-19 restrictions.

“These restrictions, while necessary for the health and wellbeing of all of us, have led to the closure of many businesses and shops across Mount Isa, the state as well as the nation as a whole,” Cr McCulloch said.

“This will undoubtedly lead many Mount Isa residents to face financial insecurity or uncertainty in these unprecedented times.

“This is why we have brought in these measures, which have been designed to help ratepayers to better cope and to give them some breathing room and flexibility with their rates payment.

“Of course, anyone who is able to pay their rates in full by the April 30 due date is encouraged to do so.”

The next rates are due to be released next Monday, March 30. For more information, please call Council’s Revenue team on 4747 3200.