Assistance available for municipal rates hardship

Published on 16 June 2026

Gannawarra Shire Council is reminding ratepayers that assistance is available for those facing challenges in paying their municipal rates.

Municipal rates remain one of Council’s major sources of income, with these funds supporting most Council-managed services and the maintenance of key road and other infrastructure assets across the municipality.

“This financial year, municipal rates and charges equate to close to 40 per cent of the total revenue generated by Council, which enables our dedicated staff to provide important services, deliver key projects and maintain popular assets across the municipality,” Council Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Rollinson said.

“Municipal rates are often paid in instalments in September, November, February and May, or by a lump sum payment by 15 February each year, but there are other options available.

“Council understands that many of our residents are facing financial hardship due to cost-of-living pressures, especially as global events impact our local economy, and now might be a good time to plan for the next 12 months.”

Council is in the process of reviewing two of its key policies that outline how Council can assist ratepayers experiencing general and financial hardship, specifically around rates and charges raised by Council. These revised documents will allow for greater flexibility around accessibility and applications.

Council’s current Rate Relief policy enables Council to defer or waive rates and/or charges for ratepayers experiencing general or financial hardship, whilst the Outstanding Debt policy outlines the steps Council can take to recover debts from outstanding rates and charges, or private works/hire and general debtors.

Where rates remain unpaid for three years, Council can recover any outstanding debt and all expenses accumulated, including interest, from the proceeds of the sale of land, with any outstanding funds passed on to each person who has an interest in the land under section 181 of the Local Government Act 2020 (the Act).

Council is currently completing the next stage of legal action under this section to collect unpaid municipal rates for 152 properties. These properties meet the Act’s criteria of having more than three years’ worth of municipal rates outstanding, with no formal payment arrangement in existence, and a Court order requiring the outstanding amount be paid.

“The process required to recoup these funds carry a financial and timing cost to Council and this impacts our ability to provide key services and deliver projects across the municipality when needed. If we can help ratepayers manage these debts in a timely and more efficient manner, it benefits everyone,” Mr Rollinson said.

Ratepayers who are experiencing financial hardship are encouraged to contact Council’s Rates Department on (03) 5450 9333 to discuss their situation.