Council adopted amendments

The changes introduced a new remission category - properties affected by a natural calamity event. This provides targeted relief for properties significantly impacted by a single natural disaster, such as a cyclone, flood, landslide or earthquake. Applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Amendments also clarify the existing exceptional circumstances clause. Exceptional circumstances remissions may now cover road closures in certain instances where they are specifically approved by Council for properties severely affected by a prolonged natural calamity.

Consultation on the proposed amendments

Council proposes to amend its Rates Remission and Postponement Policy to better support ratepayers affected by major natural disasters. We sought feedback on the proposed changes:

Exceptional circumstances and/or financial support

To assist ratepayers experiencing financial hardship and/or are adversely impacted by a natural disaster or other calamity which directly affects their ability to pay rates. Or a situation has arisen where some event has occurred which makes the collection of rates impractical, impossible, or unreasonable. The objective supports financial affordability by providing relief from paying rates in exceptional circumstances. Exceptional circumstances could include community organisations ceasing operation, an unintended rating situation where it's fair and reasonable to remit rates in certain situations, an unpredictable event including natural disasters, pandemic, epidemic or other calamity that affect the ratepayer’s ability to pay rates.

The proposed change to the exceptional circumstances and/or financial support remission policy changes clause 4.4.d states exceptional circumstances remissions do not cover remissions for road closures.

Properties affected by a natural calamity event (new policy)

To assist ratepayers facing extreme hardship or prolonged disruption due to a specific natural calamity that affects their ability to pay rates. This assistance applies when a property has been significantly affected by a single event—such as erosion, subsidence, submersion, or another natural disaster that impacts the use or occupation of any rating unit.