Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart says help is at hand for residents and businesses facing difficulty paying their rates due to the impact of the Covid-19 lockdown.
“We’re here to help where we can and that includes offering flexible rates payment options,” Cr Stewart said.
“Council offers pensioner discounts and instalment options to help make paying rates more manageable for Noosa ratepayers,” the Mayor said.
“I urge our ratepayers to make the most of these options. Our staff are also on hand over the phone during the lockdown to answer enquiries.
“For those who do plan to pay the full amount upfront, make sure to take advantage of the August 20 earlybird discount to save yourself part of the cost.”
Payments can be paid by credit card, direct debit and BPay.
Council’s customer service call centre can assist both business and residential ratepayers with information about hardship arrangements and payment options. Call (07) 5329 6500 or visit noosa.qld.gov.au/about-council/rates-levies
Mayor Stewart said Council was also working with a special Business Roundtable subgroup to investigate potential support arrangements for Noosa businesses should the lockdown continue beyond Sunday.
“We’ll consider a range of options to help businesses through this tough time. Deferral of rates is one of the options we may look at,” the Mayor said.
“Lockdowns and financial assistance are chiefly state and federal government responsibilities, but we will again do what we can to support our community, just as we did last year with business subsidies, waived fees, fast-tracked payments, advocacy and other assistance.”
