Greater Shepparton City Council is providing a three-week extension for the second rates instalment as recovery from the floods continues.
To offer assistance to residents, the new due date is December 21, and residents are able to pay any time up until this date, as per the second instalment amount on their annual notice.
Director of corporate services Chris Teitzel said council hoped the three-week extension would offer some relief during an already stressful time.
“We understand how tough the past month has been for residents and we don’t want to add any more financial stress to the situation,” he said.
“We do understand, however, that some residents may have difficulty making this payment and we want to hear from those people.
“Council’s rates team is available and here to assist anyone who believes they may not be able to pay this instalment.”
The council is also undertaking impact assessments to better understand which properties experienced destruction due to the flood event, and the extent of this damage.
A supplementary valuation may be applicable for these properties where material property destruction has occurred and will take into account any flood damage to buildings.
Supplementary valuation notices will be issued in early 2023 to properties that qualify and will be applied across the remaining instalments, effective as at the date of the flood event.
This information will be sent to residents inside the rates instalments in coming weeks, with information for both those who suffered building damage and those who didn’t.
“We understand ratepayers may still have been impacted by the floods even if their properties did not suffer damage, so we are urging everyone to reach out and chat with us about their personal situations,” Mr Teitzel said.
Council’s rates team is available Monday to Friday from 8.15am to 5pm by calling 5832 9700.
For information, visit greatershepparton.com.au