Payments and Forms
Fees and Charges
Council sets fees and charges for the provision of a range of services on an annual basis.
Forms
Access forms to complete a variety of Council-related transactions.
Rating Information
Rates are a contribution that each ratepayer makes towards the cost of maintaining and improving a wide range of essential community services and facilities.
Rates Payments
Council offers a range of payment options for rates notices.
Electronic Notices
Council offers electronic issue (via email) of Rate notices and Animal Registration notices.
Request for cessation of service of notices by email will be accepted by Council in writing by email, post or personal delivery to Council offices.
Council will terminate the service of notices by email on the first occurrence of delivery rejection to the email address provided. Should delivery rejection result from Council's error, email service will recommence immediately to the corrected email address.
Payment Information
Please be aware that a surcharge of 0.34 per cent will apply to all credit card payments made using Mastercard and Visa. This surcharge will be applicable for payments made:
- over the counter at Council Customer Service Centres at Beaudesert, Boonah and Tamborine Mountain
- over the phone, by calling Council's main phone number of 07 5540 5111
- through Council's automated phone payment number of 1300 061 142, and
- via the payment portal on Council's website.
As an example, a payment of $1,000 would incur a card surcharge of $3.40.
Customers are encouraged to use BPay, where this option is available, as this payment method will not attract a surcharge.
Reason for the surcharge
Council incurs fees from banks for credit card payments, which can accumulate to a significant cost. This surcharge enables Council to recover some of these expenses so that more funds can be allocated to essential community services, such as the maintenance of roads and parks.
Please note that credit card surcharges are a common practice among many businesses and organisations, including other councils in south-east Queensland.
Other payment options
We encourage customers to consider using BPAY where available, as this payment method does not incur a surcharge.
To make payments directly from your cheque or savings account, please contact your participating financial institution and use the biller code and BPAY reference number found at the bottom of your notice.
BPAY offers the convenience of setting up recurring instalments—whether weekly, fortnightly, or monthly—tailored to your budget. You can easily create, amend, or stop these payments at any time, giving you greater control over your finances.
We appreciate your understanding and continued support as we strive to serve our community effectively.
Further explanation referring to Local Government Act 2009 s262(3)
Under the Local Government Act 2009, Section 262, Council is permitted to charge fees for various services and facilities, including those beyond just its direct services. This provision allows councils to establish cost recovery fees to cover expenses associated with providing certain services or facilities, ensuring that the costs incurred by Council are appropriately managed and accounted for.
Implementing a credit card surcharge falls within this framework, as it enables Council to recover the fees charged by banks for credit card transactions.
By doing so, Council can maintain financial sustainability while continuing to provide essential services to the community. This approach aligns with Council's responsibility to manage public funds effectively and ensure that costs are shared fairly among users of the services.