Central Highlands Regional Council ratepayers will receive their rates notice in the mail this week, but it won’t be like the previous bill because the general rates and charges, and water charges are now separate.
The annual rates notices will be sent as usual in August and February and now there will be a water charges notice sent in October and April.
Mayor Kerry Hayes said the change will make a distinction between general rates and charges and the cost of water services.
‘This is already common practice in other locations across Queensland,’ he said.
‘There are two benefits gained by separating the two charges, rates and water.
‘There’s a clear distinction between the cost of water and the cost of rates and the customer effectively has their payments split into four instalments throughout the year making it easier to manage.’
The change to the rates billing requires people that currently have a direct debit arrangement to set up a second direct debit arrangement for water charges only. Anyone with a credit balance on their account have the option to transfer some or all their credit to their water account.
There will also be different biller codes for rates and water notices.
For more information on what the change means for you, visit council’s website, phone
1300 242 686 or visit your local council office.
People are encouraged to make their payment by the 18 September 2018 due date to take advantage of the 10 per cent discount on the general rate.