Extended Rates Payment and Hardship Support for Cassowary Coast Ratepayers
Cassowary Coast Regional Council have acted quickly to support residents impacted by the recent flooding disaster. Recognising the significant disruption to homes, businesses, and infrastructure caused by the severe weather event, ‘North and Far North Tropical Low, commencing 29 January 2025, Council is extending the rates deadline and enhancing its hardship support measures to provide much-needed relief.
The extension in accordance with the Local Government Regulation 2012 applies to the January–June 2025 rates period with the extended due date of Friday, 14 March 2025. This extension is for all ratepayers across the Cassowary Coast region and the 5% discount on general rates will also be available to those who pay their rates and charges in full by the extended due date.
In addition, Council has reviewed and amended its Financial Hardship Policy to better assist those most severely impacted by this disaster. Under the updated policy:
- Eligible ratepayers experiencing financial hardship can now enter into a 12-month payment arrangement with no interest charged.
- Ratepayers who have qualified for the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) can apply for financial hardship support without additional application requirements, provided they supply proof of their eligibility.
Cassowary Coast Regional Council Mayor Teresa Millwood emphasised Council’s commitment to helping residents recover from this disaster by removing the red tape and streamlining the financial hardship application process for those in need.
“Our community has shown resilience in the face of this disaster, and Council is taking decisive action to support those affected. While we cannot postpone rates bills indefinitely and still provide the services that residents rely on, we have worked to buy time for ratepayers who have been most impacted by the event.
By extending the rates due date and simplifying the process for financial assistance, we hope to ease some of the pressures facing households and businesses,” said Mayor Teresa Millwood.
We thank the Queensland and Australian Governments for their support and encourage those in need to access the available hardship assistance.”
Council understands the difficulties caused by postal delays and road disruptions, which have affected the timely receipt of rates notices. We appreciate the patience of our communities as we work through this difficult time.
Council encourages impacted ratepayers to contact our Customer Service team to discuss available support options. Further information on the financial hardship policy, applications and supporting documentation can be found on Council’s website www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/financial-hardship-assistance or email enquiries@cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au or call 1300 763 903.