Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett said the rates notices would be issued earlier this year, giving ratepayers an additional three weeks to take advantage of interest free instalments.

“Council offers two discount periods – a 10 per cent discount applies if you pay by 18 September 2019 and a five per cent discount applies if you pay by 18 October 2019,” Councillor Burnett said.

"This year, residents can design their own payment plans which includes options to pay weekly, fortnightly, monthly and I am pleased to say for the first-time rates can also be paid on a quarterly or half-yearly basis.”

Cr Burnett reminded property owners that payments could be made in instalments via a wide range of options to avoid paying a lump sum.

"There are multiple ways you can make rates payments; including, paying by instalments, online, by phone, mail, in person or direct debit," he said.

"With more and more residents accessing Council's online services and paying rates electronically Council made the decision to revert to an annual rate notice and based on community feedback have included the option to pay rates quarterly or half yearly.

“The rates notice will now include subtotals, including general rates, cleansing, water and sewer charges, water consumption charges and a Queensland Government emergency management levy.”

Rate instalment applications need to be returned to Council by the second discount date (18 October 2019) to allow longer to pay interest free instalments.

For more information, or to arrange a payment plan please contact Council on 4970 0700 or visit www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/rates