The City of Greater Bendigo is reminding residents that rate payments have been adjusted for 2024/2025 and if rates were not paid in full in September, then ratepayers default to paying in quarterly instalments.
Ratepayers either needed to have paid their rates in full or made their first payment by September 30, 2024. A decision was made earlier this year by Council to remove the option of paying in full in February to limit people delaying paying their rates and then getting into financial difficulty. An upward trend in those experiencing financial hardship over the past year led to the decision.
Approximately 10,000 people are yet to pay their first instalment, with the second instalment due on December 2, 2024.
Director Corporate Performance Jessica Howard encouraged residents to reach out to the City if they were unable to pay their rates.
"By speaking with us now, our staff can help ratepayers find other suitable payment options that are smaller and regular, including the option to set up a regular direct debit for instalment amounts that can be deducted fortnightly or monthly," Ms Howard said.
"Reminder letters are being sent this week to anyone who is yet to pay their rates.
"We understand it is a challenging time financially for some people, however rates are essential to supporting the City to deliver a range of services to the community.
