Avenues of Assistance Are Available for Ratepayers

Rates Notice Example

Published: 13th July 2020

Council is reminding Mount Isa ratepayers who may be experiencing financial difficulties that rates payment agreement options tailored to their own personal situation are available.

Deputy Mayor Phil Barwick, whose portfolio includes Finance, said Council can offer repayment plans for anyone experiencing financial hardship.

He said he encourages locals who may be struggling in the current economic climate to speak with Council’s Finance team to discuss the option of entering into one.

“Council is acutely aware of the economic circumstances that have arisen due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and we want ratepayers to know that we can discuss payment plan options to support those experiencing financial hardship,” Cr Barwick said.

“If someone is experiencing financial hardship, it’s important that they make sure they come in and see us, because we can work with them to get it resolved in the best way that we can.

“For example, we can put a hold on their rates debt interest and set up an agreed repayment plan. We assess each application on a case-by-case basis.

“We do have a few avenues of assistance in that regard.”

He said another way that Council is helping local residents is by keeping overall rates increases at zero for the 2020-21 financial year.

“Going forward, we will be closely monitoring the rates payment commitment applications, to try to get an idea of how the community’s travelling, which we also did from the last lot of rates,” Cr Barwick said.

“There is always the possibility that circumstances might change with COVID-19, so we’ll be carefully monitoring things that are going on.”

For more information about rates payment agreements or financial hardship payment agreements, please call Council’s Finance team on 4747 3200.