Property & Rates Information

Payment Options - Don't Delay until the Last Minute!

Primarily there are only two methods of paying rates:

1. one sum due to be paid by 31 August 2012 or 60 days after the issue of the rates notice which ever is later, or
2. 4 instalments, (being approximately one quarter of all rates and charges and with rate arrears being incorporated into the first instalment) the due date by which the same are to be paid being:

Mailing Payment: West Coast Council, PO Box 63 Queenstown TAS 7467

Credit Card Payment: Complete form on rates notice and post to above address or phone (03) 6471 4700 and provide your details

In Person: The Council office is open for payments between 8.30am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday, by cash, eftpos, cheque or credit card.  Payment can also be made at Council Agencies, located at the Zeehan, Rosebery and Strahan Post Offices.

In person, by phone or on the Internet. Use POSTbillpay at any Post Office in Australia, by phone on 13 13 16 or internet at http://www.postbillpay.com.au/

Centrelink Centrepay Facility: a payment option for Centrelink customers, through Centrepay is available for ratepayers to pay their rates automatically in regular deductions from their Centrelink payments. This service is free. Please contact the Council office for more information or complete the Centrepay deductions form at the Queenstown Council Office.

Discount for Early Payment

A 5% discount will apply to current rates paid in full by Friday 31 August 2012. The amount of the discount is clearly identifed on your rates notice. Please ensure you do not deduct the discount amount twice prior to payment.

Defaults and Penalties on Instalment Payments

Under section 124(5) of the Act, if a ratepayer fails to pay any rates or instalments of rates and charges within 21 days of the date on which the rate or instalment was due, the ratepayer is to immediately pay the full amount of the unpaid rates and charges for the financial year.

If any rates or instalments of rates and charges are not paid on or before the date they fall due, then interest at the prescribed percentage determined under section 128(2) of the Act is payable for the period during which it is unpaid.

Remission of Rates & Charges

Council will allow pensioners eligible for the State Government remission a further 10% remission on their rates. More details regarding pension remissions.

Council also recognises that in some instances ratepayers may be facing finanical difficulty and therefore offer payment of rates by arrangement with the General Manager. In such instances rate payments must still clear the four instalment dates set out above.

It is important that Council has up-to-date details regarding ratepayers contact details. To avoid unecessary delays and problems, please complete the Change of Postal Address Form if your details have recently changed.

Should you have any further questions relating to your rates and charges, please contact Council's Revenue Officer or complete the Customer Feedback Form.