Get the appThe South Burnett Regional Council has issued its rate notices covering July 1 to December 31, 2026. Payments made by the November 16 discount deadline must be received by then, and a council spokesperson advised allowing up to three days for BPay transfers. Ratepayers can pay in person at several customer service centres, or through Australia Post. Anyone who has not received a notice by Monday, October 26, can ask their local centre for a copy.
Council has received reports on its financial position, unpaid rates and charges, and an independent expert review of its long-term financial plan. A second phase of the review in November will examine options for revising that plan. Overdue rates and the timing of government grants have significantly affected council cash flow. About 1,000 of the council's 8,000 residential ratepayers have overdue rates, but only 200 are on payment plans. Residents struggling to pay can contact council to discuss a payment plan.
Greater Dandenong City Council has introduced an online payment service that lets people pay fines in smaller instalments. The Payble platform allows weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments, with a payment plan of up to 22 weeks. Users can avoid the extra costs that can be added to unpaid fines. The service is free to use and covers parking, local laws, Environmental Protection Authority, animal management, building and planning, and public health fines. More than 20 per cent of ratepayers already use Payble to pay their rates in instalments.