Difficulty paying rates

Council needs to know if you are unable to pay your rates and may refer your debt to its debt recovery specialists, which may result in legal action and legal charges being applied if:

• you are unable to pay your rates and you do not make contact with Council to arrange a suitable payment commitment, and
• if your address is not updated which results in the non-payment of your rates,

Council will take steps to ensure outstanding rates are recovered and has partnered with Recoveries and Reconstruction (Australia) Pty Ltd ("R&R").

R&R are an Incorporated Legal Practice that specialise in debt recovery for Local Government Councils and have an in depth understanding of local government.

R&R focuses on maintaining the highest ethical standards and a strong culture of compliance.

If you have been contacted by R&R, please coordinate your recovery directly with them on 1300 556 863.

Payment of outstanding rates is through the normal payment channels at Council. Payments are not to be made to R&R.

Remember:

If you're having trouble paying your rates, please contact our Revenue Recovery Team on 1300 883 699.
If you have recently moved, ensure you have updated your details on our change of contact details form.

There are several options available to you if you are suffering from extreme financial hardship.

• Do you have a mortgage? We prefer if you discuss your situation with your mortgagee as well as Council as they may be able to pay your rates and add the amount onto your mortgage.
• Do you have you any superannuation? You may be able to access your superannuation to pay the rates. Special conditions apply but you can access the Australian Taxation Office website to obtain further information.
• Apply to Queensland Government - Mortgage Relief Loan. This website has other useful information that may assist you.
• Council has a Financial Assistance Information Sheet that you may find useful
• You can read Council's Hardship Policy(PDF, 733KB) to see if you are eligible. If you wish to proceed with an application after reading the policy, please contact Council's Revenue Recovery Team on 1300 883 699 to discuss your needs and request an application form.

Section 141-144 of the Local Government Regulation 2012 provides for local governments to sell your property when rates and charges have been overdue for at least 3 years. Council will actively pursue all available options under legislation to ensure that the overdue rates and charges are not a burden on the region's ratepayers.

Pursuant to Sections 141-144 of the Local Government Regulation 2012 and Section 239 Substituted Service of the Local Government Act 2009 Chapter 7 Other Provisions, Council hereby gives notice of intention to sell the below properties as per the details in the attached documents:

• 8 Bell Street, Bundaberg South QLD 4670(PDF, 91KB)
• 55A George Street, Bundaberg South QLD 4670(PDF, 88KB)
• 22 Mark Road, Branyan QLD 4670(PDF, 86KB)
• 17 Morris Street, Burnett Heads QLD 4670(PDF, 82KB)
• 244 St Kilda Road, Tirroan QLD 4671(PDF, 81KB)
• 2 Bellevue Street, Bundaberg West QLD 4670(PDF, 89KB)

It is envisaged that the next sale of land for rate arrears auction will be held in April 2025. Details of the auction are publicly displayed once Auction Notices have been issued to the relevant entities.