The first installment of the annual rates in the Clarence Valley are now due on the 30 September 2020 rather than the usual billing period at the end of August.

Laura Black, Director of Corporate and Governance said, “The extension for payment is a response to the financial pressure that COVID-19 has brought to the community.”

“In addition, no interest will be charged on unpaid rates between July and December 2020.

“As interest charges will resume in January 2021, it is important that anyone experiencing financial difficulty and with concerns about their ability to pay their rates on time, should contact us as soon as possible to arrange a payment plan and avoid additional interest charges.

“The NSW Valuer General’s Office has advised Council of new land values and annual rates notices have been issued reflecting these new values,” Ms Black added.

Land values are used by all NSW councils to calculate and distribute rates. As land values are determined by the Valuer General, independent of local Councils, any objection to the determined land value should be addressed directly with the Valuer General’s Office.