Payment plan options
If you can't pay the full amount of your rates and/or water bill by the due date, you can apply for a payment plan. A payment plan will give you extra time to pay, without incurring interest.
We offer 2 types of payment plans:
- single-term payment plan (paid prior to next notice)
- multiple-term payment plan (paid over 18 to 24 months)
We will not begin recovery action against you for outstanding rates and water bill payments while you make all the payments in your payment plan in full and on time.
Single-term payment plan
Paid prior to your next notice, a single-term payment plan is designed to give you extra time to pay one rates or water bill without incurring any interest. You can use this plan to pay off your current bill before your next bill arrives.
You can choose to make weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments.
To set up a single-term payment plan, log into My Account. Select 'Rates and water accounts', then click on the account you require (e.g. rates or water account number). On the next screen, select 'Payment plan' and follow the prompts.
Or you can call us on 07 5667 5995 or 1300 366 659 and we'll set up a single-term payment plan over the phone.
Multiple-term payment plan
Paid over 18 to 24 months, a multiple-term payment plan is designed to give you extra time to pay all your rates and water bills. You can set up a multiple-term payment plan for two years at a time.
You can choose to make weekly or fortnightly payments.
To set up a multiple-term payment plan, call us on 07 5667 5995 or 1300 366 659.
Late payment penalties
If you do not pay your rates and/or water bill by the due date and you do not enter into a payment plan with us, we will charge you interest for late payment. The interest rate is currently 12.35% per annum, charged daily. We may also begin recovery action against you, which could eventually lead to a public auction of your property.
If you begin a payment plan but fail to make the scheduled payments, we will charge you interest for late payment. The interest rate is currently 12.35% per annum, charged daily. We may also begin recovery action against you, which could eventually lead to a public auction of your property.
Pay in advance
You can make advance payments for your rates and water bills at any time, even before you receive a bill.
To make advance payments, use any of our payment methods. Any payments you make will show as a total figure on your next bill and will reduce the total amount of the bill.
If you are experiencing financial hardship, contact us for a private and confidential discussion. Hardship plans allow more time to pay your debt to City of Gold Coast and will suspend interest and recovery action for the agreed period.
Call us on 07 5667 5995 or 1300 366 659. Terms and conditions apply.
Plumbing Assist – free essential plumbing work
Plumbing Assist is a free service available to eligible customers in financial hardship.
Participation in the program includes, for your owner-occupied, private property:
- a free water leak audit
- repair or replacement of inefficient or leaking water fittings and fixtures (limited to minor repairs only).
For more information and to check if you qualify, visit our Water Assist page.
Financial counselling
Sometimes it can help to talk to a financial counsellor if you're experiencing financial difficulty.
You can get help and support from the National Debt Helpline – call 1800 007 007 from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. The National Debt Helpline is a free, independent and confidential advice service.
For financial counselling, contact:
Finding the right support for your circumstances can be a challenge, we have partnered with Uniting to provide professional and confidential support through their CareRing program.
If you are experiencing financial hardship due to one or more of the following reasons, we may be able to help through support programs, pathways and services facilitated by CareRing.
- Critical health issues
- Mental health challenges
- Long term unemployment
- Family or domestic violence
- Elder abuse
- Disability
We are here to support you in your time of need and helping get your water bills back on track. Please call us on 1300 366 659 to arrange a free referral if you think this may assist you.
Pensioner concessions
If you are a pensioner, you may be eligible for:
- Queensland Government rates subsidy
- Queensland Government water subsidy
- our pensioner rate remission (called Council Rate Remission).
To learn more, visit our Rates & water pensioner concessions page.
Direct debit
If you set up direct debit payments from your bank account, you won't need to think about when to pay your rates and water bills. Your payments will be made automatically, on the date you choose.
There are no fees for a direct debit from a bank account.
You can use direct debit to:
- pay your bills on the due date
- follow a payment plan
- make advance payments.
You can decide whether to pay the full amount showing on the bill or to schedule regular payments for a set amount.
To set up a direct debit, log into My Account, select your rates or water account and click Request direct debit from the rate or water account.
If you're not registered with My Account, visit our My Account page to find out more and register.
Alternatively, you can download and complete the Direct Debit Request form(PDF, 132KB)
Please read the Direct Debit Service Agreement(PDF, 126KB)