Rates are our biggest source of income. Ratepayers receive an invoice for rates, payable in quarterly or monthly instalments.
Receive your rates invoice by email
It is quick, easy and secure to go paperless.
You can also view your rates balance, transaction history, property details, and more, all in one place.
The money we earn from rates, helps us maintain the city and provide services. It funds our infrastructure - roads, footpaths and pipes for water supply and wastewater disposal, and amenities such as parks, libraries and recreation centres.
Rates amount to about half of our total funding each financial year. Other funding comes from government grants (particularly for roads and cycleways), fees and charges, dividends from Council-owned companies and borrowing. Learn more.
Rates are a property tax, so are paid irrespective of how much the ratepayer uses our services. However, some rates (particularly those for water and sewerage) are charged only to properties within our serviced areas. If your property is outside these areas, you will not be charged these rates. Find out how rates are calculated.
We set rates on 1 July each year and these apply until the end of the following June. We set your rates for the whole year, so any changes to your property (such as demolition or new building) won’t affect your rates until the following 1 July.
The first instalment invoice will include an assessment, showing the full amount payable over the whole year.
We assess rates for every property in the city each year.
We offer a range of payment options. If you want to pay your rates in one sum, you can. Just pay the full amount to clear rates for the year by the second invoice and you won't incur a late payment penalty for missing the due date for the first instalment.
When a payment due date falls on a public holiday or weekend, the next working day becomes the due date.
Rates are a tax and must be paid as invoiced by the stated due date. Unpaid amounts incur late payment charges.
Direct debit
Apply online(external link), call us on 03 941 8999 or 0800 800 169 to get a form sent to you, or pick one up at one of our Customer Service Hubs.
Automatic payments and internet banking
You can pay online by making a single payment or setting up a recurring automatic payment.
If you use automatic payments, you will need to adjust the payment in July for the new rating year.
Credit card
Online using VISA or Mastercard. A surcharge applies.
In-person
Call in at any of our Customer Service Hubs.
Please note that we can no longer accept payments by cheque.
Rates assistance
You may be able to apply for a rates rebate, postponement or remission. Find out more.
