How Nambour resident won $1,000 off her rates

Making one simple switch has earned a Nambour resident $1,000 off her next rate bill.

She is the latest winner of Sunshine Coast Council’s ‘Win Your Rates’ competition, which ran from January 22 to February 21.

“What a wonderful surprise! I actually didn’t even realise I was entered in the draw, I have always received my notices via email as it’s most convenient for me, so to get the phone call saying I had won really made my day,” she said.

“Receiving my rate notices via email was a no brainer for me - it’s far more convenient, plus I get reminder emails so I don’t miss payments. The environmental impacts of less paper usage is an added bonus.  

“This couldn’t have come at a better time! We will be heading away for our annual family vacation in a few weeks, so the extra dollars will go towards making the trip extra memorable.”

The latest winner is among approximately 57,000 property owners who’ve made the change to receiving their rate notices electronically.

Sending rate notices electronically is one of many ways Council can operate in a more environmentally friendly way and continue to create a healthy, smart and creative lifestyle here on the Sunshine Coast.

Moving to an online system also enables ratepayers to receive their rate notices wherever they are, anywhere in the world and arrange payment in a convenient and timely manner.

Ratepayers who are still receiving their notices in the post are encouraged to visit Council’s website, sign up to MyCouncil or login to their existing MyCouncil account and change your preferred rate notice delivery method from post to email.

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.

You’ll find a step-by-step guide to setting up your MyCouncil account on Council’s website. There is also a step-by-step video to show you how to change your rates delivery method from traditional post to email.

There is a 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 are encouraged to enter into a payment arrangement by logging into MyCouncil or by contacting council.

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

For rate enquiries, email Council at [email protected] or contact Council between 8.15am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.