Arrangements for Financial Difficulty and Hardship
Council has adopted a ‘Rates Hardship Policy’ which provides information to ratepayers who may be experiencing difficulty in paying their rates as a result of financial hardship. Ratepayers who may be experiencing financial difficulty are encouraged to contact the Council office for a confidential discussion.
Payment Arrangement Application Form
Postponement of Rates for Seniors
As prescribed by the Local Government Act 1999, state senior card holders can apply to Council for the postponement of payment of rates on their principal place of residence. If a postponement of the payment of rates occurs, interest will accrue on the amount affected by the postponement and a minimum contribution is still required. Rates charged remain as a charge on the land and must be paid upon sale, transfer or other such transactions that result in the prescribed rate payer and/or owner of the land no longer qualifying to receive a postponement of rates. For further discussion on postponement of rates, please contact the Council office.
Cost of Living Concessions
The State Government provides a “cost of living concession” that is paid directly to pensioners and concession card holders, which replaced the previous pensioner concession amount which was deducted from rates. The payment is administered by State agencies who determine the eligibility of applicants. Please find further information via the following link: https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/care-andsupport/concessions/household-concessions/cost-of-living-concessions
South Australian Government's Rural Support Grants
The South Australian Government’s Rural Support Grants, administered by the Rural Business Support Relief Fund, provides up to $1,500 in financial assistance to eligible SA primary producers and rural small business owners experiencing significant financial hardship.
In conjunction with financial counselling through Rural Business Support (RBS), the grant helps cover essential costs such as utilities, council rates, groceries, medical bills, or other items identified by the financial counsellor and the individual as part of their recovery planning. Priority is given to those impacted by drought, market disruptions (such as in the wine grape industry), biosecurity incursions, and family-run rural small businesses concerned about their financial future.
Payments are made directly to suppliers upon invoice, with one grant available per family enterprise.
Farming families and rural small and family business owners can start their Financial Counselling journey by contacting Rural Business Support on 1800 836 211 or by emailing: enquiries@ruralbusinesssupport.org.au