April rates notices come with discounts and relief measures
19 April 2022
Ipswich City Council quarterly rates notices have started hitting letterboxes and email inboxes with the usual discounts on offer for on-time payment as well as other relief measures for flood-impacted property owners.
There are multiple payment methods including several online platforms, over the phone and in person. Full rates payments made by the due date of Thursday 26 May get a $33 discount for the quarter.
This quarter will also see 560 households and businesses where a building or structure has been impacted by flood inundation receive a one-time $250 concession as part of council’s flood relief program.
Governance and Transparency Committee Chairperson Councillor Jacob Madsen said council had automatically applied the concession to properties to minimise red tape for the majority of those property owners dealing with the impact of flood.
“If there is anyone who believes they may be eligible for this flood rates assistance but did not receive it on their rates notice, please fill out the online form at Ipswich.qld.gov.au/floodrecovery or contact council on 3810 6666,” Cr Madsen said.
“Properties with flood inundation resulting from the severe weather event in February-March may also be eligible for other rates support such as being able to pay off rates over a longer period of time, having discounts granted, and interest waived.
“These measures are aimed to relieve financial pressures for those in the community doing it tough after the 2022 flood.”
Cr Madsen said property owners, including those affected by flood, may also be concerned about recent increases in land valuations from the Valuer-General.
“These valuations were done before the 2022 flood event and are due to take effect from 1 July. The increases are not reflected in the April rates notices,” he said.
“I would encourage anyone with concerns about their valuation, including those recently impacted by flooding, to contact the State Valuation Service via their website as soon as possible as the normal objection deadline is 30 May.”
Cr Madsen said council was also offering waived or reduced fees and charges to support flood-impacted households and businesses.
“Planning, building, plumbing and drainage fees can be waived or discounted where required for the rebuild or repair of an eligible flooded property,” Cr Madsen said.
“Council also discounted animal impound fees by 50 per cent where the impounding occurred as a result of flood.
“These council measures complement assistance offered by other levels of government and numerous charity organisations working with the community.”
Information on rates payments can be found at Ipswich.qld.gov.au