Tuesday 31 January 2012

Rates notices issued

Cairns Regional Council rates notices have been dispatched and are due to arrive in letterboxes this week.

Nearly 80,000 rate assessment notices have been issued and are due for payment by February 27.

Many residents, particularly in the Douglas region, have expressed dismay at the amount of their rates bill, and Council CEO Lyn Russell said anyone having difficulty paying their rates should contact Council as soon as possible to discuss a payment plan.

“We understand that there may be circumstances that require special attention and we have procedures in place to assist people when they need it,” Ms Russell said.

“However, it is vital that you contact Council promptly, if you feel you may need this assistance.”

Rates can be paid online at Council’s website, by credit card via telephone and internet, or through Bpay. Over-the-counter payments can be made by cheque or cash at Council’s customer service centres and at Australia Post Offices while direct debit plan can also be established.

Any property owner who has not received their half yearly rates notice by the end of this week are urged to contact Council to obtain a copy as overdue rates attract interest charged at 11 per cent per annum.

For further information, ratepayers can contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on 4044 3044 or Mossman Administration Centre 4099 9444.

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Barry , 02-02-12 20:53:

Jennifer
Where did you get the 14% rate figure, listening to conservative crap I would bet.

Jennifer , 01-02-12 10:13:

First amalgamation hiked up the land rates by 7 % then we had excess water charges which we never had before, and now we have to pay for Cairns to have a cultural precinct the council put up our rates by 14% again. Come on Cairns, de-amalgamate Douglas Shire now. We were better off financially without you. Get into REAL people's NEEDS and fix your woeful financial debts without using Douglas Shire's income, especially the $ 20,000,000 income from Port Douglas.We need our money back from those Robin Hoods!

Mim Hayward, 01-02-12 00:24:

HELP.... Goodness only knows what they are likely to be for my HUGE 70sq mtre property..... as if $2139 isn't enough!!!!!!