Residents wanting to discuss a rates rebates are being encouraged to book a time to speak to with Customer Services staff, to avoid waiting.

Group Manager of People and Facilities Sarah Mosley said inquiries about rebates, the last days of dog registration and the mailing out of the first rates instalment for the new financial year had generated more business at the Customer Service desk than normal.

“All of these matters can take a lot more than a few minutes to process or explain, so there have been some longer wait times than we would like.

“Council has begun sending letters to last year’s rebate applicants asking them to make an appointment for a new application for this year and they can nominate a time to come and see us so there’s no waiting.

“We’ve also had quite a few people drop in to ask us about their rates notices.”

Rates notices were issued this week and reflect an average 7.3 per cent rate increase across the district for the new financial year.

“Rates depend on the value of your property, whether it’s residential or commercial, and the services you receive, like drinking water, wastewater and the kerbside rubbish and recycling collection,” Ms Mosley said.

“This year’s rates also reflect the new property valuations issued by QV in 2024, so rates might also be higher because their house has been valued higher or because they have built on a previously bare section.”

The rates assessment notice itself also has a lot of explanatory detail, along with activities funded by rates or fees and charges.

• If you have a question about the rates rebate scheme, please check online for qualifying criteria and other frequently ask questions. There are changes to the scheme this year, meaning more households may qualify, and you can apply for the rebate any time before 30 June 2026
• If you still need to register your dog, do so as quickly as possible to avoid late fees. See more about registration
• If you have a question about rates, check out the information available at our rates page