First instalment rate reminder

Published on 13 October 2020

Mildura Rural City Council is reminding ratepayers wishing to pay their rates in quarterly instalments that their first payment is due tomorrow Wednesday 14 October.

Council rates can be paid in one lump sum (on or before 15 February 2021) or the amount due can be spread out over the course of the year and paid in four instalments.

To qualify for the quarterly instalment program, people must pay their first instalment, in full, by the due date 14 October 2020. 

While Council Service Centres are currently closed to the public, rates can be paid by credit card over the phone by calling (03) 5018 8100, online using BPAY, Australia Post Billpay or by calling 13 18 16. Payments can also be made by presenting rates notices at any Australia Post outlet.

Ratepayers can also set up direct debit payments by completing a Direct Debit Request Form via Council’s website.

In a show of support to ratepayers, any interest accrued on overdue rates from 1 March 2020 will be waived until 31 December 2020. This will apply to those who have already registered for Financial Hardship due to COVID-19 and those who may register in the future.

To register for Financial Hardship and qualify for the interest waivers go to www.mildura.vic.gov.au/coronavirus 

The interest waivers are among a range of measures Mildura Rural City Council has introduced in direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic. All up Council has committed more than $2.2 million to support residents, businesses, and community and sporting groups.

Other measures include:

• 2020/21 rates for 86 different community groups, clubs and organisations have been waived
• Footpath Trading Permit renewal fees have been waived for up to 203 businesses
• Food premises registration renewal fees have been waived for up to 601 establishments
• Public Health and Wellbeing registration renewal fees have been waived for 89 accommodation providers and 96 beauty, tattoo and skin penetration businesses
• Up to 23 eligible commercial Council tenants will have their 2020/21 lease and licence fees waived
• 2020/21 lease and licence fees have been waived for 103 community and cultural groups.

Council has also established a Community Relief Service, which continues to provide vital support to locals impacted by the pandemic including connection to social and community support groups, access to food parcels and referral to key support agencies among numerous different measures.

For more information or to access the service visit www.mildura.vic.gov.au/coronavirus, phone (03) 5018 8100 Monday to Friday between 8am and 5pm or email communityrelief@mildura.vic.gov.au

ENDS