Scenic Rim locks in 12.19% interest on overdue rates, 5% prompt-payment discount

Ratepayers in the Scenic Rim Regional Council area will have 31 days to pay after a notice is issued, with late balances attracting 12.19% annual interest and eligible general rates paying customers able to claim a 5% discount if all charges are cleared on time.

Scenic Rim ratepayers who miss the due date will be charged 12.19% annual interest, while eligible households and businesses can keep a 5% discount by paying on time and clearing all charges on the account. Councillors also confirmed the recovery procedure for overdue rates and charges for 2026-27.

The council resolved to issue rate notices bi-annually and require rates and charges to be paid within 31 days after a notice is issued. Overdue amounts will attract interest calculated on monthly rests and as compounding interest, at the 12.19% rate set under the Local Government Regulation 2012.

The discount applies only to the payment of general rates on or before the relevant due date, and only if all charges on the account are paid. Part-payment does not qualify.

The same meeting also adopted updated rates-based financial assistance, hardship and concessions policies, but this item was focused on how rates bills are paid, how quickly arrears must be cleared and what happens if they are not.

For residents, property owners and businesses across the Scenic Rim Regional Council area, the practical change is straightforward. Pay on time and the discount remains available where eligible. Miss the deadline and the overdue balance will start accruing interest under the adopted recovery settings.

The procedure adopted on 1 July replaces the previous version adopted on 9 July 2025. Council said the rules will apply to accounts issued in the 2026-27 year, alongside the rest of its new rates and charges framework.