Rates

Frequently Asked Questions About Rates

Rates are levied in July each year, in accordance with the local Government Act 1993.
Rates are levied by Councils,  so they can supply services to the local community such as Libraries,  Roads,  Drainage,  Recreation,  Parks and Gardens,  Street Lighting,  Waste Removal,  Building and Planning Development.

When do I pay my rates?

Rates can be paid in either one lump sum, on or before the 31st August or by four (4) interest-free instalments, provided each is received no later than the four (4) instalment dates.

(The due dates are the same for every financial year or in a leap year)

These are:
31 August
30 November
28 February
31 May

How do I pay my Rates?  

•At Council’s Office in Moree, and on Tuesdays in Mungindi - Locations can be found at the bottom of the page.

• By Bpay following the instructions on your rates notice. Please note the Biller Code is different for rates and water bills.
• By direct debit from your bank account to Council’s. Authorisation from the ratepayer is required to do this, so please contact the Revenue Team for further information.
• By telephone to 1300 652 094 and be sure to have your MasterCard, Visa, Bankcard and assessment notice in front of you before phoning. Council cannot accept American Express cards.
• By Cheque payable to Moree Plains Shire Council. Be sure to attach your deposit slip. Please note post-dated cheques are not legal and will be returned.  Addresses are located at the bottom of the page

Paying Your Rates or Water Bill Online

Ratepayers are asked to be mindful when paying their Rates or Water Bill online that they record their assessment number as the ‘reference’ when making their online payment.
The assessment number allows the accounts department to assign the payment to your account. Failure to record your assessment number as the reference may result in your payment being unallocated.
Your unique assessment number is located at the bottom of your assessment notice along with the Issue Date and Due Date.

Paying Your Rates or Water Bill Via BPOINT©

BPOINT © is a convenient way to pay your bills – when, where and how you want.

Using your credit card you can now pay your ‘Water Assessment Notices’ and’ Rates Notices’ online.

It’s easy. Enter your Biller Code and Customer Reference Number shown below when requested.

It’s safe too. The payment site is supported by the Commonwealth Bank, so you can feel confident your credit card details remain secure.

When using BPOINT © as your preferred method of payment, please ensure that you use the corresponding biller code relating to the bill of payment.

‘Water Assessment Notices’ and 'Rates Notices’ have different billing codes, therefore the money will be assigned against the provided billing code and not necessarily against the bill you have chosen to pay.

Reference:
Water: 716 662
Rates: 938 670

How Do I Find A Biller Code?

Just look for the distinctive BPOINT© symbol on your bill located at the bottom right of your notice.

Paying Your Rates or Water Bill via BPAY

When using BPAY as your preferred method of payment, please ensure that you use the corresponding biller code relating to the bill of payment.

‘Water Assessment Notices’ and’ Rates Notices’ have different billing codes, therefore the money will be assigned against the provided billing code and not necessarily against the bill you have chosen to pay.

Reference:
Water: 716 662
Rates: 938 670

How Do I Find a Biller Code?

Just look for the distinctive BPAY symbol on the bill located at the bottom right of your notice

What charges are included in my rates?
Charges included are an ordinary rate, water charge, sewer charge, waste management charge and a waste collection charge. Not all charges apply to every property and may vary according to the location of the property.

Do I receive a discount?
No discount for full payment of rates on the first instalment will be offered for the 2022/23 rating year.

If I buy land during the year, when do I start paying my Rates?
Your solicitor will apportion your rates on settlement. The following year's rates are not issued until July of that year.

I have changed my address, so what should I do?
Change of address notifications must be received in writing. Please fax Council with your new address as soon as possible on (02) 6752 3934, mail back your new details in the form provided on back of notice or alternatively email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..gov.au ';document.getElementById('cloakeb19db2a21704e68bb4e5e9700cf3587').innerHTML += ''+addy_texteb19db2a21704e68bb4e5e9700cf3587+'<\/a>'; ;  

A change of address form.

Do I receive a reminder when my next instalment is due?

Council will issue instalment notices if you elect to pay by instalments. These notices will be posted at least 30 days before the instalment is payable. Those ratepayers with direct debit arrangements will receive rate instalment notices ‘for information’.

Will I be charged interest if my payment is late?

Your payment must be received at Council’s Moree Office by the due date, otherwise, interest will be charged.

What is the current interest rate being charged?

The current rate is 7.5% and interest is accrued on a daily basis.

I am having difficulties in paying my rates, what should I do?

Please contact Council’s Revenue Team and an appropriate payment schedule can be arranged, phone (02) 6757 3222 for assistance.

Why is there a water charge on my rate notice if water accounts are issued three monthly?

The water charge on your rate notice is an availability charge which is payable whether you use water or not.
It is for the service to your property. This charge will apply even if you do not have a water meter installed.

My water usage is very high; can I do anything about it?

If you think your meter may be faulty, then for a fee you can have it tested. Should your meter be faulty, then the fee will be refunded. You should also check for any leaking taps, showers, toilets, and hot water systems and when watering the garden, do so during the cooler times of the day and ensure that there is no excess run off being wasted.

NOTE: It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure the meter is not damaged and ensure that water is not leaking. Water consumption charges will still apply if your water has been wasted through leakage. You must ensure that there are no leaks on your property, it is YOUR responsibility.

What will my water usage cost?

Charges for rating year 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023

In accordance with the Local Government Act 1993, Council is now operating its’ Water, Sewerage and Garbage functions as Business Units. Charges set for 2022/23 are based on full cost recovery with no subsidisation from the General Rate Fund.
For enquiries phone: (02) 6757 3222

Exemption from Rates
All land is rateable unless it is exempt under sections 555,556 and 557 of the Local Government Act 1993.

Examples are Crown Land, Churches, Schools, Libraries, Public Benevolent Institutions or Public Charities, etc. For further information, contact Council’s Revenue Team.

Pensioner Rate Rebate

Ratepayers entitled to a rebate include:

• Ratepayers who receive a Pension and hold a Pension Concession Card from Centrelink;
• Ratepayers who receive a War Veterans Pension (TPI subject to means test);
• War Widow Pensions (subject to a means test). Details of the requirements may be obtained from Council’s Revenue Team.

For ordinary rates, rebates range from a minimum of half of the rates levied to a maximum of $250 plus $87.50 each for Water and Sewerage Charges resulting in a maximum of $425. If you believe you are entitled to a pensioner rebate and it has not been granted, please contact Council’s Revenue Team.

Postponed Rates – Section 585 to 595

Ratepayers may apply for relief under Section 585 of the Local Government Act 1993.

Applications can be made with respect to rates levied on properties whereby:

• There is a single dwelling or house on land which is zoned or otherwise designated so that it may be used for industrial, business or commercial purposes.
• There is a single dwelling or house on land which is zoned or otherwise designated to permit its subdivision for residential purposes.
• A parcel of rural land that is zoned or otherwise designated so as to permit its use for other than rural land.

 Postponed rates are accumulated and attract interest, to a maximum of five years. Should the land use change, they may become due and payable.

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