Council’s new online payment system for 2026/27 rates is now live. Photo: Shellharbour City Council.
Shellharbour ratepayers now have access to a new online payment platform to provide greater flexibility to when and how payments are made.
Now live as part of Shellharbour City Council’s 2026/27 rates notice distribution, it offers customers more choice in managing their rates payments by setting up a payment arrangement that suits their circumstances and household budget.
After scanning a QR code included on their rates notice, the new platform will allow them to choose their payment frequency, select a preferred payment day and pay via bank account or credit/debit card.
Customers can also view the amount required to pay their rates balance by the due date based on their chosen payment schedule.
Shellharbour Mayor Chris Homer said the platform was designed to improve the customer experience by making rates payments simpler and more flexible.
“We know household budgets are under pressure, so giving people more flexibility over how and when they pay their rates can make a real difference and help avoid bill shock,” Councillor Homer said.
“The new online payment platform puts that choice in our customers’ hands and makes managing rates simpler and more convenient.”
The rates payment platform was debated at the 28 April council meeting, where Councillor Rob Petreski questioned why council was investing in a platform when direct debit was available free through banks and financial institutions.
“I can pick my phone up and go on my banking app and I can do all that now for free,” Cr Petreski said.
“And it won’t cost council anything. It won’t cost ratepayers anything.”
Council’s financial services executive manager Jacinta Hepperlin responded by saying there were a number of benefits that using a payment platform would provide ratepayers.
“The user experience of a platform that allows them to select their payment frequency,” she said of one of the benefits.
“We will also see some benefits in our operational expenses through reduced postage costs and some other operating expenses.”
Cr Petreski said he felt the benefits didn’t outweigh the expense.
“I’d imagine anybody tech savvy enough to go on that platform would probably be tech savvy enough to use an app on their phone and do all those features that you just described via their banking institution,” he said.
Councillor Moira Hamilton said she congratulated council on providing a great option for ratepayers needing to pay their rates.
“If they’re struggling, it’s giving them a way to try and pay their rates,’” she said.
“Everybody’s not computer savvy.
“I had to learn myself and a lot of people haven’t got that option to learn it.”
She said this offered more flexibility and ease for ratepayers.
The new platform will replace council’s existing direct debit system, which has limited flexibility and can be difficult for customers to manage.
Customers who pay their rates via direct debit will be contacted directly and provided with information about transitioning to the new system.
While the platform offers a new and convenient way to manage rates payments, customers will continue to have access to other payment methods available through council.
For further information, including frequently asked questions and customer support, visit council’s website.
Original Article published by Kellie O’Brien on Region Illawarra.
