Statement regarding 2025/26 final reminder rates notices

Published on 16 June 2026

2,984 ratepayers received a final reminder notice for their 2025/26 rates which were due on 31 May 2026.

We understand that receiving a final notice for overdue rates can be concerning, and we appreciate the feedback from the community.

However, we would like to clarify that these are not debt collection notices. They are “Final Reminder” notices and do not impact your credit rating.

The notices are designed to encourage payment and/or contact with Council.

Council engaged CollectAU as a service provider to manage the distribution of final reminder notices. CollectAU’s role at this point in time is to provide administrative support to assist with efficient processing of notices.

The final notices were based on data current as at 3 June 2026. Payments made close to the due date may not have been reflected due to normal banking and processing timeframes. However, where no payment has been made and no contact has been received to discuss payment options, the account is considered overdue, and issuing a reminder notice shortly after the due date is a standard and appropriate step.

If you have made payment, you can disregard the notice. This is stated in the final notice letter.

Council has a responsibility to manage the collection of rates in a fair and consistent way. Rates are Council’s primary source of revenue and fund essential services and infrastructure for our community.

As part of maintaining financial sustainability, Council is required to follow up on overdue accounts and is acting in accordance with our Revenue Collection and Financial Hardship Policy, the Local Government Act 1989 (which sits alongside the Local Government Act 2021) and the Penalty Interest Act 1983.

If you have not made payment and need assistance, please reach out to Council’s Finance team on (03) 5348 2306.