Keith Campbell
August 16, 2017
The South Burnett Regional Council has hired debt collectors in a bid to claw back some of the $5.3 million it’s owed for outstanding rates and charges.
Mayor Keith Campbell said on Wednesday that “regrettably” about 10 per cent of ratepayers in arrears.
He said the burden of this level of rate arrears affected all ratepayers.
The latest rates notices – for the six months from July 1 – will be sent out next Tuesday.
Mayor Campbell said Council was acutely aware of the financial pressures facing the community and encouraged ratepayers to pay the latest bill before September 26 to take advantage of the discount offered.
“To reduce the financial drain on Council’s Balance Sheet in carrying this level of rate arrears, we have introduced a new debt recovery process,” Mayor Campbell said.
“Council has engaged the services of Recoveries & Reconstruction Australia Pty Ltd to help manage Council’s rate arrears.
“The principal thrust of the debt recovery processes will be to facilitate the establishment of payment arrangements to assist ratepayers manage their debt.
“Unfortunately it will be necessary in a small number of cases where a suitable payment arrangement cannot be made or a ratepayer does not make a reasonable attempt to make payments, then formal debt recovery processes will need to be enforced.
“My fellow Councillors and I strongly encourage anyone who is struggling to pay their rates to contact Council and discuss a ‘pay by instalment’ option, as we would prefer not to go down the path of legal recovery action.”
Since October 2015, South Burnett ratepayers have had the option to have rates notices sent electronically via email, or by post.
The Council offers a number of payment options including:
- Telephone and internet banking
- Australia Post
- BPay
- By mail
- In Person
- By Phone
- Centrepay
- Direct Credit
- Pre-payments or instalments
Residents who are experiencing difficulties in paying their rates have been asked to contact Council’s Rates Section on (07) 4189-9100 to discuss the options available.
