News

Pay now, save big?

By Louie Cina

Sep 23, 2026

Alongside a potential financial discount, councillors floated offering ratepayers who pay in full the chance to win a car or a holiday through a prize raffle. Photo by McPherson Media Group

Everyone loves a discount, and Murray River Council ratepayers may be about to snag themselves a pretty big one.

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Cr Kylie Berryman moved a motion at the September 22 meeting to commission a report into the feasibility of offering a discount for residents who pay their rates in full.

“I understand not everybody would be able to (pay in full), but I think (if we offered a discount) quite a few would,” she said.

“(It means) less time (is spent by) officers posting out quarterly rate notices, so I thought I’d put up to see what our ratepayers thought about it.”

The motion was seconded by Cr Geoff Wise and praised by several councillors, including Cr Gen Campbell who said the benefits were multifaceted.

“It’s money in the bank for council,” she said.

“Some people if they’ve got the money cash in hand at the time would be more likely to pay (because) things change in a heartbeat this day-and-age with finances ... so if you can get the council rates out of the way, it’s a great thing.”

The motion was carried and a report will be presented to council in March 2027 following community consultation and a review of the potential impacts of a discount.