TO TAKE the sting out of the half yearly rates notices that have just been sent out, Sunshine Coast Council are offering residents the chance to save up to $1000 off their next notice simply by signing up to receive future notices via email.
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 can 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.”
Council have made paying rates simple with a range of convenient online payment options including BPAY and by phone on 131 816. Council also has a direct debit option, which can be set up to pay rates in full by the due date. 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.
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.
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