Revised Rate Relief, Outstanding Debt policies adopted

Published on 20 March 2025

Gannawarra Shire Council has adopted revised versions of policies that assist ratepayers experiencing general and financial hardship, specifically around rates and charges raised by Council.

Council adopted the revised Rate Relief and Outstanding Debt policies at its March 2025 meeting, held last night.

“Council understands that, especially at this time, many of our residents are facing financial hardship due to cost-of-living pressures,” Council Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Rollinson said.

“The revision of these policies ensures Council continues to support residents and ratepayers who may need additional time to repay outstanding debt.”

The Rate Relief policy enables Council to defer or waive rates and/or charges payments for ratepayers experiencing general or financial hardship, whilst the Outstanding Debt policy outlines the steps Council can take to recover debts from outstanding rates and charges, or private works/hire and general debtors.

Meanwhile, Council’s COVID-19 Hardship policy has been rescinded, as it is no longer required or relevant. Initially developed in April 2020 this policy outlined the options available for Council to assist ratepayers who were experiencing temporary financial hardships due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The COVID-19 Hardship policy assisted many of our residents and business owners who could not pay any outstanding bills during the COVID-19 pandemic, however many of these measures have been absorbed into our revised Rate Relief policy,” Mr Rollinson said.

Ratepayers who are experiencing financial hardship, are encouraged to contact Council on (03) 5450 9333 to discuss their situation.