Rates – new options, new look

The new rates notice highlights when your quarterly instalment is due, and makes it easier to understand how your rates are calculated by showing a clearer breakdown of Council, Victorian Government and waste charges. Council will also introduce its new ‘FlexiPay’ payment tool, allowing you to pay your rates at certain times to best suit your budget.

Cardinia Shire Mayor Cr Jodie Owen said Council wanted to be as flexible as possible by offering a range of payment options to best suit the needs of ratepayers.

“We understand that people have different financial situations, and that times are tough for some individuals and families,” Cr Owen said.

“FlexiPay will be a great budgeting and time-saving option for many people. It means you can arrange to make smaller and more frequent payments over the year, to reduce the impact of quarterly bills on your household budget.”

“Paying by quarterly instalments reflects a growing preference in the community towards paying smaller amounts over the course of a year rather than via a single lump sum.”

While Council has budgeted within the Victorian Government Fair Go Rates 2.5 per cent rate cap for 2016–17, it is important for ratepayers to note that this will not mean that the total rates due on their rates notice will increase by 2.5 per cent for 2016–17.

Every two years all of Cardinia Shire's rateable properties are revalued by independent valuers. As 2016 is a revaluation year, some properties will increase in value, while others may stay the same or decrease in value. Therefore, ratepayers will see a change in their rates based on how property values change.

“If your property value has increased less than the average since the last valuation, you will see a drop in the amount due on your rates notice. However, if your property value has gone up more than average, be prepared to see an increase above the 2.5 per cent. It all comes down to what your property is worth,” Cr Owen said.

“If you feel that the valuation is not accurate, you can object but keep in mind that an objection to the valuation does not remove the obligation to pay any rate or charge by the due date.”

The rating period is from 1 July 2016 to 30 June 2017. The first instalment is due on 30 September 2016.

For more information call 1300 787 624.