Have your say on how Council manages long-term unpaid rates

Published on 18 August 2026

Nillumbik Shire Council is inviting community feedback on a proposed policy designed to provide a clear and transparent framework for recovering long-term unpaid rates and charges.

The policy formalises Council's approach to managing significant, long-standing unpaid rate debts and ensures any future decisions are guided by a consistent and accountable process.

Mayor Cr Naomi Joiner said the proposed policy is about fairness, responsible financial management and protecting the services relied upon by the broader community.

"Rates are an important source of funding for local roads, parks, community facilities, waste services and many of the services residents use every day," Mayor Cr Naomi Joiner said.

"The vast majority of Nillumbik ratepayers either pay their rates on time or contact Council to discuss support options when they're experiencing financial hardship.”

"We recognise that many people are facing cost-of-living pressures, which is why Council remains committed to providing payment plans, hardship arrangements and other support measures for eligible ratepayers."

The proposed policy makes clear that Council will continue to exhaust all reasonable avenues to recover outstanding debts before considering any legal enforcement options.

Importantly, Council's proposed approach would not apply to a person's primary place of residence.

"This policy is not about taking people's homes," Mayor Cr Naomi Joiner said.

"It is about ensuring there is a clear framework in place to address very limited cases of long-term unpaid rates where repeated attempts to engage with the property owner have been unsuccessful and all available support options have been exhausted."

"Every dollar of unpaid rates is money that cannot be invested back into community services and infrastructure for the benefit of all residents."

Council encourages anyone experiencing difficulty paying their rates to contact Council as early as possible to discuss available support and financial hardship options.

Community members can provide feedback on the proposed policy through Participate Nillumbik from 17 August to 6 September.