Meeting papers

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                       19 JANUARY 2026




Following the adoption of the Rates and Charges Debt Management and Recovery Policy on 30
June 2025, these arears are now being actively managed with an outstanding balance of 5% being
targeted. The management of outstanding rates and charges is a key responsibility of Council, as
this process can facilitate access by ratepayers to alternative funding sources (e.g. superannuation
funds) to prevent the loss of key assets.

It should also be noted that rate arrears balances exhibit a consistent semi-annual pattern, rising
after ley periods in July and January and subsequently declining in the months that follow each levy
issuance.




A comprehensive review and audit of arrears balances was undertaken in anticipation of formal
escalation through policy stage gates, subsequent to the January 2026 levy issuance period.

The rates arrears analysis that follows includes only those properties where arrears exceed the
following specified thresholds.



 Classification                     Threshold
 Residential                           $1,000
 Non-Strata Residential                $1,500
 Non-Residential                       $1,000
 Shopping Centres                    $300,000
 Other                                $50,000
 Retirement Villages                  $30,000




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