23 August 2023
Southern Downs Regional Council has become aware of a transcription error in the Revenue Statement for the 2023/24 financial year which has caused general rates to be higher than intended for a small number of rural properties.
Officers are currently working to resolve the discrepancy and Council will grant a rebate to impacted ratepayers in the following rating categories:
• Orchards and Vineyards 3 (levied at a minimum)
• Small Crops and Fodder Categories (1, 2 and 3)
No changes are proposed to Orchards and Vineyards (1,2 and 3) where the rate in the dollar has been set at lower than intended.
The rebate will assist in reversing any potential financial hardship on ratepayers who have been impacted by the transcription error.
Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi apologised on behalf of Council for the unfortunate error.
“Council has made an error in some categories of the rural rate notices. Regrettably, the rate notices were issued prior to our officers realising that an error had been made,” Mayor Pennisi said.
“I would like to sincerely apologise to the affected ratepayers and reassure them that we will be rectifying the error through a concession via a rebate.
“If you have already paid your rates, the concession will be reflected as a credit on your rates account and a subsequent rebate will be applied in the next rating cycle.
“It is important to note that this issue only affected a small number of landholders and it was not widespread across the board.
“Again, I apologise for this mistake and will write to each landholder individually as we remedy this issue.”
Ratepayers who are having difficulty paying their rates by the due date are encouraged to contact Council on 1300 697 372 to organise a confidential payment agreement.
Last edited date 23 Aug 2023