banner image
Council

Council provides a range of services, activities and facilities for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Council Rates

Rates are a contribution each ratepayer makes towards the cost of Council running the city and the provision of community services and facilities.

Some of these services and facilities include the maintenance of beaches, roads and walkways, sporting grounds, parks and gardens, community centres, libraries, the protection of threatened plants and animals, the collection and disposal of waste and recyclables and numerous other community projects.

The information provided in this section (refer to Key Information links below) aims to assist you with understanding the charges on your rate notice, outlines how to pay options, and provides contact details for where to go to get help.

Rate Notice

Your Gold Coast City Council rate notice is issued twice yearly, usually in January and July, and covers six-monthly billing periods (i.e. January to June, and July to December, unless otherwise required).

For information, visit About Your Rate Notice.

Water and Wastewater Rate Notice

Gold Coast ratepayers receive a water and wastewater account separate from their rate notice.

Your Gold Coast City Council water notice is issued twice yearly, usually in January and July, and covers six-monthly billing periods (i.e. January to June, and July to December, unless otherwise required).

For information, visit Water Rates and Billing.

Pay Your Rate Notice on Time and Receive a Discount

By simply paying your rates on or before the due date of your rate notice, you will receive Council's early payment discount (which is 10 per cent of the General Rate). Pay your rates now using a variety of payment methods available.  

Online Rates Enquiry Form

Use our online form to submit an enquiry relating to your rate account and we will respond within 10 working days. The form can be used for various enquiry types including:

  • change of mailing address for rate notices
  • account balance
  • request a weekly or fortnightly payment plan
  • request a copy of your rate notices
  • follow up on an existing enquiry
  • other rate enquiries.

Payment Plan

Having difficulties paying your rates? You may be eligible to pay off your rates through weekly or fortnightly instalments. Submit your request using Council’s Online Rates Enquiry form.

To request a payment plan for your water and waste water rates account, please request separately to your rates account using the Online Water and Wastewater Rates Enquiry form.

Key Information

Related Information

  • External Links

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are my rates subject to GST?

    No, rates and charges that appear on your rate notice are exempt from GST.

  • I bought this property but did not own it for the entire rating and/or water consumption period. Why do I have to pay?

    Please check your settlement statement to confirm whether a rate and/or water adjustment was done or contact your solicitor and/or agent for confirmation.

  • I paid my solicitor for taking care of the change of ownership. Why do I have a Property Transfer Fee on my rate notice?

    The fee payable relates to the cost incurred by Council having to change its records to reflect you as the new owner of the property.

  • What does my rating category mean?

    Council operates a differential rating system, which means your land is categorised according to land use and/or demand for or benefit from Council Services and rated accordingly. Included with the rate notice is an information sheet that explains how property has come to be included in a particular rating category.

  • I have only just purchased the property, am I expected to pay the rate notice?

    Yes, normally any new or unpaid rates owing on a property before purchase should have been adjusted in your favour in settlement figures. You may care to check settlement documents or contact your solicitor to confirm the nature of the rate adjustment made upon settlement.

  • I have retired, am I entitled to receive pension concessions on my rate notice?

    Yes, if the rate notice relates to the property registered in your name and is your permanent place of residence and provided also that you are the holder of either a Queensland Pensioner Concession Card or a Veterans' Affairs Gold Card (for all conditions). A Seniors Card does not qualify. Other conditions apply.

  • What do I need to do to apply for pension concessions?

    To enquire about your eligibility for pensioner rate concessions, please call the Contact Centre on 1300 366 659 as you may be able to apply over the phone.

    Otherwise you can complete an application form at your nearest Council Customer Service Centre. Please bring your current Queensland Pensioner Concession card or Queensland Veterans Affairs' card.

    If you have recently moved to a new address within the City, you will also need to re-apply for pensioner rate concessions on your new property.

  • When is my rate notice due to be paid?

    The rate notice amount is payable by the due date shown on the front of the rate notice. Provided Council receives your payment on or before this date, discount will be allowed. If rates and other charges are not paid by the due date, the discount will be forfeited and the total rates will become overdue and subject to interest penalties.

  • What should I do if I am unable to pay my rates on time?

    If you are unable to pay your rates in full and on time, please contact us before the due date to organise a weekly/fortnightly payment arrangement.

  • If I have a payment arrangement but am unable to make payment when it’s due?

    If you are unable to make a payment as arranged, please contact us beforehand to make alternative arrangements. Otherwise, your existing arrangement may be terminated. You may have to pay backdated interest charges and be exposed to recovery action.

  • Can I pay my rates in advance?

    Council rates can be paid in advance at any time either by making regular payments or making a lump sum payment. Please contact us to discuss payment methods including by Direct Debit.

  • Are my regular payments listed individually on the rate notice?

    No, this would add pages to the rate notice and ultimately increase production and postage costs. Please contact us if you require clarification of your account balance or details of payments received.

  • Is BPAY View® available to all ratepayers?

    Yes – to access BPAY View® you will need to be registered for Internet banking through your participating financial institution.

  • Will I receive other Council notices or accounts via BPAY View® as well?

    At this stage the only notices or accounts available from Gold Coast City Council through BPAY View® are your  rate notice and water and wastewater rate notice.

  • What if I'm outside Australia, can I still use BPAY View®?

    Yes - if you use Internet banking through an Australian financial institution. Otherwise, if you only have an overseas bank account, you won't be able to use the BPAY View® service.

  • Will I still receive a rate notice through the mail once I register with BPAY View®?

    No, once you have registered to receive your rate notice or water and wastewater rate notice via BPAY View®, you will no longer receive the notices in the mail.

  • What about the inserts and brochures that normally come with the hardcopy notice?

    No problem, you'll be able to view all the brochures and notices that normally come in the mail online as well by clicking on the Gold Coast City Council website link provided.

  • If I receive my notice by BPAY View®, can I still use other payment methods?

    Yes - you can still use any other available payment method (including Direct Debit). However, making payments by BPAY® payment is even easier with BPAY View® as the amount to pay and reference numbers will be pre-populated for you.

  • I'm having trouble registering for BPAY View® or need more information.

    If you need assistance with registering for Internet banking and/or the BPAY View® service, visit www.bpayview.com.au, or contact your financial institution.

    BPAY® and BPAY View® are registered trademarks of BPAY Pty Ltd ABN 69 079 137 518

  • Water and Wastewater rates notices?

    Allconnex Water has ceased operations and Gold Coast City Council is responsible for water retailing, distribution and wastewater services on the Coast.

    Gold Coast ratepayers will receive a water and wastewater account separate from their rate notice in July. The normal rate notice will be issued from the second week in July and the water and wastewater account will be sent about two weeks later.

    The contact telephone number for water enquiries will remain the same - 1300 000 928. All water enquiries and payments will be supported across the Gold Coast at Council's administration centres or branch offices.

    For more information go to Water and Wasterwater Rates.