Paying your rates in a pandemic

Published on 18 August 2020

West Wimmera Shire residents are encouraged to reach out if they are struggling to pay their rates.

Rate notices are now being distributed to residents for the 2020-2021 financial year.

Overall, there has been a two per cent rate increase in West Wimmera Shire for general and municipal charges. Individual properties might go up or down, depending on the valuation change of their property, relative to others.

Waste collection fees have also increased by two per cent to cover the increasing cost of the service.

Rates notices will also include the Fire Services Property Levy, which is collected on behalf of the State Revenue Office.

Mayor Bruce Meyer has urged anyone who might struggle to pay their rates to reach out.

Council is offering a relief on rates and charges to businesses and individuals struggling financially as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Payment plans, interest relief and deferment options have been put in place by the council to help people pay their rate and municipal charges.

The measures are part of a Council’s COVID-19 Hardship Policy.

Cr Meyer said COVID-19 restrictions had had a negative economic impact throughout Victoria.

"This has led to many businesses closing their doors and widespread unemployment throughout the state and in West Wimmera Shire," he said.

"There are likely to be ratepayers and residents within the shire who are negatively affected by the current economic environment."

The policy aims to provide assistance to ratepayers impacted by COVID-19 without creating additional financial stress when the pandemic has been resolved.

Cr Meyer said Council also had an existing Rate Recovery and Financial Hardship Policy in place.

The Rural Financial Counselling Service can also offer assistance to those struggling financially.

Counsellors can assist West Wimmera Shire residents access state and federal government payments and support packages.

People can get in touch with the Rural Financial Counselling Service on 1300 735 578.