Discounts and concessions
Rates Relief
The Rates Relief Policy is to apply to those ratepayers who are experiencing serious hardship and as a result are unable to pay their rates and charges. The policy will apply to residential property where the property is the ratepayer’s principal place of residence and no commercial benefit is derived from the property, as well as community facilities operated by Non-profit organisations.
To be considered for relief under this policy the ratepayer will need to meet one of the following circumstances:
- Be in receipt of an Australian Government Pension with additional household income of less than $5,000.
- Not be in receipt of an Australian Government Pension and where household income is less than $50,000.
- Be a Non-profit Community Organisation.
Applicants must complete an Application for Rate Assistance and provide information regarding their financial position under a Statutory Declaration. Applicants must also provide any additional documentation, (including certified copies of Income Tax Assessments or statements from Centrelink verifying the financial position of the applicant(s)) to substantiate the information supplied.
- Personal Ratepayer Rates Relief Application (PDF 89.4 kb)
- Rates Relief Policy (PDF 48.1 kb)
- Non-profit Organisation Rates Relief Application (PDF 83.7 kb)
Conservation Rebate
Ratepayers who enter into an agreement with the Environment Protection Agency to preserve areas within their holdings as areas of conservation significance.
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Conservation Rates Relief Application (PDF 90.9 kb)
Non-profit Community Organisations
Council recognises the contribution made by community organisations and has the capacity to provide a rebate to these appropriate organisations.
An application for the rebate has to be lodged every three years and is subject to a number of conditions.
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Non-profit Organisation Rates Remission Application (PDF 82.8 kb)
Concessions
Pensioner Concessions
Holders of a Queensland “Pension Concession Card” issued by Centrelink, on behalf of the Department of Family and Community Services, or the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, or a Queensland “Repatriation Health Card - For All Conditions” (Gold Card) issued by the Department of Veteran’s Affairs are eligible for a concession on the rates applicable to their principal place of residence provided they either own or part-own the property.
The State Government provides a rebate of 20% of all charges to a maximum of $180 per annum and council provides a rebate of 25% of the general rate to a maximum of $226 per annum. In addition, State Fire Services provides a rebate of 20% of the Fire Levy Group 2 applicable to dwellings. Part-owners may only be entitled to part-rebates.
Eligible pensioners will be required to complete an application form to initially apply for the rebate and each year council will verify their entitlement with the relevant Government Department. Fresh applications will only be required if the pensioner status is not confirmed by the department.
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Pensioner Rates Remission Application (PDF 60.5 kb)