August 20, 2019
Toowoomba Regional Council has voted to continue its rate relief scheme for drought-affected farmers.
The decision was moved at this week’s Council meeting and passed unanimously.
The TRC will defer the payment of the rates and water rates notices a issued during the first half of the 2019-20 financial year until the second rates notice.
This means residents who have been drought-affected will still able to receive their discount which normally only applies when a rates notice is paid within the first 31 days.
Cr Mike Williams said the decision would provide much-needed respite to residents who have been experiencing hardship.
“We introduced this form of relief one year ago hoping that conditions would improve throughout our region,” he said.
“Unfortunately, there has been no respite from the drought and our community has been severely impacted by the lack of rain.
“The drought has placed significant financial and emotional pressures on our communities and Council had no hesitation in extending this form of financial relief.
“Any ratepayer who owns a drought-affected property in the TRC area, and is able to demonstrate eligibility for the Australian Government Farm Household Allowance as a direct result of the drought, will be eligible for the deferment of payments from Council.”
The TRC received 150 applications for deferments during the 2018-19 financial year.
