To ensure consistency and equity in the levying of rates and charges we have a rating strategy.
This provides for differential rates to be levied on the capital improved values of all rateable land to reflect the different standard, range and access to municipal services available to residents and ratepayers in different areas of the shire.
The dates fixed for payment are the last days of September, November, February and May.
Interest at the rate of 10% per annum will be charged on any rates and charges remaining unpaid after the due dates.
Present your rate notice intact, with your payment to any Australia Post Office, or at either of Council's Business Centres, 111 Brown Street, Hamilton or 1 Market Place, Hamilton.
Detach the credit section and mail with your cheque (made payable to Southern Grampians Shire Council) in the reusable envelope to:
Southern Grampians Shire Council Locked Bag Box 685 HAMILTON VIC 3300
The top portion of the notice should be retained for your records.
Postal delays will not be accepted as an excuse for late payment.
If you wish to pay your current years rates weekly, fortnightly, monthly or quarterly via Direct Debit please use the FlexiPay Request Form
and follow the below instructions:
Step 1 Enter in your eNotice Reference Number, this can be found on your rates notice, half way down on the right-hand side.
Step 2 Enter your mobile number and email address.
Step 3 Select your frequency of payment and start date, click submit
Step 4 An email will be sent to your nominated email account, you MUST follow the links to set up your debit details. Your Flexipay is not complete until you follow this step.
Please note that Direct Debit is not available for Early Instalment Payment With 2% Discount or the payment of arrears rates.
You will find more information and Frequently Asked Questions here(PDF, 71KB)
To register visit www.postbillpay.com.auor if you are already registered you can pay by credit card here.
SGSC POST Billpay code is 2330.
If you haven't used BPay before, you will need to contact your participating bank, credit union or building society to register for internet banking.
Once registered, use BPay Biller Code 25304 and reference number shown on your rate notice.
Scan the QR code on your rates notice, and you will be directed to a website where you can process the payment securely using your credit card or bank details.
That's it! You will now receive notices in your inbox and can login to view them online at any time.
For the convenience of ratepayers who prefer to make only one payment each year and as an incentive for early payment, a discount will be allowed where the full amount for the year (less the discount) is paid on or before 30 September, excluding any arrears of rates and charges outstanding from previous years.
The fire service property levy is not subject to the discount.
For the discount to apply payments must be received by the due date, whether by post, Billpay, Bpay or in person.
If you are experiencing difficulties that may prevent you from paying your rates and charges by the due date, you can apply for a payment arrangement.
This arrangement will enable you to pay your rates regularly on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis. Please note that interest will continue to accrue.
Please complete our online Rate and Charges Payment Arrangement Form or General Hardship Application form.
The Local Government Act 1989 provides that eligible pensioners shall receive a reduction of rates levied. Application must be made via an Application for Concession on Municipal Rates and Charges form.
If individual pension details have not changed, it is not necessary to re-apply for the concession each year.
Please visit www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/municipal-rates-concession/ for further information regarding the concession and for the application form.
Please Note. A Health Care Card does not entitle the holder to a rate reduction.
Where multiple parcels of farmland are used to operate a single farming enterprise (SFE), a person may only be required to pay the Municipal Charge and the Fire Services Property Levy (FSPL) fixed charge once by applying for the single farm enterprise exemption.
Please complete the online form here to apply for exemption.
Ratepayers wishing to apply the lower differential general rate (for farmland in the Parishes of North Hamilton and South Hamilton only) or requiring further information regarding the rating and valuation of their property are invited to contact the Rates Department.