Win up to $1000 off rates bill

Rate notices are on their way and there’s an easy way Sunshine Coast ratepayers can put themselves in the running to save up to $1000 off their bill.

And there’s a simple way.

Sunshine Coast Council Outstanding Organisation Portfolio Councillor Ted Hungerford said ratepayers could give themselves a chance to win with just a few simple steps.

“Ratepayers who already receive their rate notices by email are automatically in the running to win,” Cr Hungerford said.

“Ratepayers who still get their rate notices by traditional post also put themselves in the draw by registering for a MyCouncil account or logging in to an existing account and changing their rate notice delivery method to email, before 5pm on Wednesday, August 16.

“You can create your own MyCouncil account on Council’s website and once you’ve done that or  logged into your existing account, all you need to do is click on ‘Update your rate notice delivery’ under the Property and Rates section on your MyCouncil dashboard, and change to email.

“Receiving rate notices by email rather than traditional post is more environmentally friendly and registering for a MyCouncil account enables residents to access a wide range of convenient and secure online options.

“You can request services, register pets and business owners can also register to access a range of business services through MyCouncil and your information is only viewable by you.”

There is a step-by-step video to show you how to change your rates delivery method from traditional post to email.

There is also range of convenient online payment options available, including BPAY and by phone on 131 816. Check your rate notice to see all the ways you can pay.

Council also has a direct debit option, which can be set up to pay rates in full by the due date, to make life easier for busy ratepayers.

To assist with online or over-the-phone payments, property owners will need their payment reference number, found on their rate notice.

Ratepayers who cannot make payment by the due date (5pm, Friday August 18) are encouraged to enter into a payment arrangement by logging into MyCouncil or by contacting council before the due date.

You can also set up a payment arrangement on line, via councils website.

For rate enquiries, email Council at [email protected] or contact Council https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Council/Contact-Council between 8.15am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Council is warning residents to be aware of bogus emails requesting payment of rates.

Council has become aware of a small number of incidents where a scammer has emailed residents asking for payment of rates using a BSB and bank account number.

Please note that Council never asks for rates to be paid to a BSB and account number.

Please pay your rates using the methods printed on your rate notice. Please contact Council directly if you have any questions.

If anyone receives an email of this nature and recognises it as a scam, the matter can be reported online to www.scamwatch.gov.au

Anyone who has received an email of this nature and paid money to the emailer is encouraged to contact Policelink on 131 444 so that the matter can be investigated.