Help in hardship
THE Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism is urging business owners who are struggling to pay their rates to take advantage of Hinchinbrook Shire Council’s Financial Hardship Policy.
The policy, which applies to all ratepayers in the Hinchinbrook Shire Council region and extends to local businesses within the council’s boundaries, can provide a range of relief measures to business owners and property owners who are unable to pay their rates as the result of COVID-19 or any other circumstances that lead to “financial hardship”.
Property owners and business owners may qualify for an agreed payment plan outside of current debt recovery action.
Upon completion of the plan, and/or repayment of all outstanding rates and/or charges, council may reimburse interest charges against the property that have accrued prior to completion of the payment plan.
Interest on unpaid rates is charged at 8.53 per cent and calculated daily. While this rate is legislatively permissible and imposed to encourage prompt payment of rates, it can be a significant burden in these current times. Relief is also available to ratepayers that have experienced an undetectable and unexpected water leak through the council’s Water Leak Relief Policy.
Ratepayers can phone 4776 4600 for more information.
In conjunction with the carnival, the club partnered with the Hinchinbrook Shire Council in support of Queensland Mental Health Week, hosting a number of family friendly rides, games, activities and live entertainment.
Club president Tony Lahtinen said this year’s carnival was a “huge success with the addition of the Family Fun Day”.
“We enjoy hosting our carnival every year as it always proves to be a great weekend both on and off the beach and this year was no exception,” he said.
“Our carnival and events like these are not made possible without our dedicated group of volunteers and lifesavers who always come together to put on a great event.”
A council spokesman said Queensland Health also attended to promote positive mental health.