Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett successfully put forward a notice of motion to extend the discount period following community feedback and time delays with postage.

“I am very pleased Council supported my notice of motion today as this will allow rural, residential, commercial ratepayers and, in particular, our pensioners extra time to take advantage of the discount periods,” Councillor Burnett said.

The amendment will see the 10 per cent discount period extended to 18 November 2019 and the five per cent discount period extended to 18 December 2019.

“This will see the total 10 per cent discount period extended to 90 days and the five per cent discount period extended to 120 days.”

Cr Burnett said property owners could make payments via a wide range of options to avoid paying a lump sum.

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

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

The rates notice includes subtotals, including general rates, cleansing, water and sewer charges, water consumption charges and a Queensland Government emergency management levy.

The half-yearly water notice issued in February for residents connected to a potable water will now only include the water consumption charges from July to December 2019.

The motion was unanimously adopted by Gladstone Region Councillors.

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