Apply for a rates payment plan

Flexible scheduled payments

We now offer a flexible payment option that breaks your rates into weekly, fortnightly, or monthly payments so your rates balance is cleared by 30 June 2025.

The new flexible payment option lets you make incremental payments and stay on track without extra paperwork. This option might work for your budget without requiring a formal 'Payment plan'. If these suggested payments are not within your budget, you can then apply for a formal payment plan below.

Sign up for flexible payments

Payment plans

If paying by the due date is not possible right now, or you have rates and charges that are currently overdue, you can apply for a payment plan to pay smaller amounts over time:

• You can choose weekly, fortnightly, or monthly payments.
• The minimum amount we can accept under a payment plan is $20 per week.
• Plans may be considered beyond the current rating year if your circumstances require it.

Important things to know

• Applications should be submitted as soon as possible to avoid further interest being charged on overdue amounts.
• You must choose a start date for your payment plan within 1 month of submitting your application. Plans cannot be scheduled to begin later than one month after the application date.
• Interest is not charged on overdue amounts that are included in an approved payment plan. However, interest may have already been applied to amounts that were overdue before your plan was approved.
• If you miss payments, your plan may be cancelled. If this happens, please get in touch with us as soon as possible so we can assist you.
• As future rates and charges are issued, they will not form part of your payment plan and will be required to be paid separately by their due dates as outlined on future notices.
• Payments are automatically applied to the oldest outstanding debt on your account. This means that even if you pay the most recent rates notice, your payment will first reduce any overdue amounts. To avoid falling behind, we encourage you to pay new rates and charges on time. Doing so, along with continuing your payment plan, will help bring your account up to date more effectively. To include any newly issued rates in your payment plan, please contact us as soon as you receive them.

Choose a payment plan that works for you

Make sure you choose a payment plan that suits your circumstances and that you can commit to. Missing payments may result in cancellation of your plan and additional recovery steps, in accordance with the Local Government Act 1989.

Option 1: Apply for a payment plan with automatic payments

You can make things easier by applying for automatic payments through Payble:

• You will need to set up a free Payble account.
• If you have used Payble before for rates or fines, you can use the same account.
• If the suggested payment options do not suit your current situation, click View Payment Plan Options to apply for a payment plan.
• You will need to request a separate payment plan for your rates and explain why you require one.
• Read our Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about Payble

What happens after you apply

• Your application will be reviewed by the Rates Team. We will confirm if your plan is approved within 10 business days.
• If your plan is approved, you will receive a text or email (based on your preferred contact method) confirming approval and providing a link to your payment schedule.
• You can update your payment method at any time through Payble.
• Before each payment is processed, you will receive a reminder message.

Apply for automatic payments

Option 2: Apply for a payment plan with manual payments

If you prefer to manage your payments yourself:

• Complete the form below with your proposed payment schedule.
• Provide the reason you require a payment plan.
• You will need to make payments manually on the dates you provide.
• If you would prefer to complete a paper form or receive a hard copy form by email, please contact us, and we will arrange this for you.

What happens after you apply

• Begin making payments straight away. Do not wait for confirmation, as mail can sometimes be delayed.
• We will confirm if your plan is approved within 10 business days.
• Once your application is approved, you will need to set up regular payments through your bank (for example, by BPAY) or any of the methods listed on your rates notice. Your notice includes all payment options and reference details.

Apply for manual payments

What happens if you miss payments or your plan is cancelled

If you cannot make a scheduled payment, please get in touch with us as early as possible. We may be able to help you adjust your plan or find another solution. Missing payments can lead to your payment plan being cancelled.

Important things to know

• Interest will be charged on late payments after the annual or quarterly instalment due dates, as required under Section 172 of the Local Government Act 1989.
• If you have had a payment plan cancelled in the past two years due to missed payments, you will need to pay any outstanding balance before we can approve a new plan.
• Penalty interest (currently 10% per annum) will continue to apply until all arrears are paid in full.
• If your plan is cancelled and the debt remains unpaid, legal recovery action may begin after two years. You are encouraged to keep making payments to reduce your balance; however, this will not reinstate the payment plan or affect Council's ability to commence legal proceedings.