Consultation has concluded

Council recognises that from time to time a ratepayer may have difficulty paying their rates, water and other charges.

The Draft Hardship Policy outlines Council's approach to ratepayers within the Port-Macquarie Hastings Local Government Area in managing their financial obligations with empathy and respect. Essentially, it provides a framework for responding to applications in accordance with the NSW Local Government Act 1993 (“the Act”) and the NSW Local Government (General) Regulation 2005.

At the July Ordinary Council meeting it was also proposed that Council rescinds the Payment of Late Rate Instalment Due to Death of Ratepayer's Spouse Policy, and incorporate it into the Draft Hardship Policy.

The community is invited to view both policies and share their feedback in the survey section below.

Hardship Policy eligibility

To be eligible for assistance, applicants must:

  • Be the property owner or a spouse/part owner, or account holder and responsible for payment
  • The property must be categorised as “Residential” or “Farmland”
  • The property to which the hardship application relates must be the applicant’s principal place of residence, where they are currently residing
  • Provide evidence of genuine financial hardship
  • Be willing to work with a financial counsellor
  • Resolve to have accounts paid within a two (2) year timeframe.

Have Your Say

The review proposes amendments to the policy, which will be on public exhibition until 18 August 2025, so community feedback can be considered prior to final adoption.

You can view the Draft Hardship Policy, which is proposed to include the Payment of Late Rate Instalment Due to Death of Ratepayers Spouse Policy to the right (or below if viewing this page on a mobile device).

During the public exhibition period, all interested persons are encouraged to view the draft policy and provide written comments. All comments will be reported to a future Council meeting for consideration before a final decision is made. Please note that any submission may be made public. Contact details remain confidential, however, you can let us know if you would like your name to remain confidential.

You can provide feedback by:

  • Completing the survey below
  • Emailing council@pmhc.nsw.gov.au
  • Posting to: CEO Port Macquarie Hastings Council, PO Box 84, Port Macquarie NSW 2444

All submissions must be received by 5pm on 18 August 2025.

This survey no longer accepts submissions

Survey

Submissions close 5pm on 18 August 2025.

Writing a submission is one way of sharing your views and opinions with Council. All submissions are considered before making a decision and your submission may be included in a report to Council.

Note: Information collected via submissions and petitions is public information, this information may form part of Council reports or made public in their entirety subject to the provisions of the Local Government Act 1993 or the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act). You may request, in writing, that Council suppress the personal information in your submission from public release, if you consider that the personal safety of any person would be affected if the information was not suppressed Any such request will be dealt with in accordance with the GIPA Act and the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998.