Council Facilities Payments Reviewed

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Published
27th July 2023

Cassowary Coast Regional Council has reviewed payment options in response to community feedback and has implemented changes to address issues raised by residents.

Since 1 July 2022, Council transitioned its administration facilities and libraries to EFTPOS payments only. Council is aware of an event held at ANZAC Park in Innisfail in June 2023, and received correspondence from members of the public regarding this decision.

At the July 2023 Local Government meeting, Council adopted the following recommendations to continue to support residents and those most vulnerable in our community. They included:

  • Council will continue to accept Australian banknotes and coins as well as EFTPOS payments at all transfer stations across the Cassowary Coast
  • Approve an amendment to the 2023/24 Fees and Charges to provide for 'Free of Charge' printing at all Council Libraries for eligible concession card holders; and
  • Note that the current arrangement of ‘No additional cost or surcharge’ applied by Council for use of Debit / Credit (EFTPOS) cards continues.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr Andrew Graffen said as a Council we have listened to the community’s feedback and acknowledge their views and recognise that Australian banknotes and coins are a legal tender.

Council acknowledge it is not within the remit of Council to advocate for a 'cashless society', and Council does not presume to do so. Council recognises and supports the importance of choice for individual organisations and businesses within the Cassowary Coast.

“As the CEO, I do however have legislative responsibilities under the Local Government Act 2009 to ensure the system of local government is accountable, effective, efficient and sustainable.

“Council has implemented this change to improve hygiene for staff and residents, reduce the impacts of security costs, risk of crime and wait times as well as to be able to provide payment plans for residents managing household budgets,” said Mr Graffen.

“This resolution will ensure the community can continue to pay with banknotes and coins at Waste Transfer Stations and will ensure eligible concession card holders are able to print for free at Council Libraries.

“Council will continue to support the payment decisions made by the current contractors who manage the four public swimming pool complexes and acknowledge their decision to accept banknotes, coins, and EFTPOS payments.

“Council recognises the growing preference for many of our ratepayers and residents to utilise EFTPOS or online payment methods. However, there are 12 Licensed Post Offices within our region that ratepayers  can utilise to pay banknotes, coins, and EFTPOS for bills,” said Mr Graffen.

Council is committed to modernising its practices and improving the experience of customers with Council.

For further information contact Council at 1300 763 903 or email enquiries@cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au.