Pay Your Rates Early to Win!

 Chief Executive Officer Dr Shayne Silcox said there were some fabulous prizes on offer from unique and inspiring local businesses.

“Prizes include: a $500 shopping spree at Stockland Bull Creek Shopping Centre; a $500 couples spa pamper package at Le Beau Day Spa in Kardinya; five cooking classes at Matters of Taste Cooking School in Bicton valued at $600; and a three month Premier Club gym membership for you and a friend valued at $736 at Melville Aquatic Fitness Centre in Booragoon and Melville Recreation Centre in Melville,” he said.

“For the chance to win one of these amazing prizes, all you have to do is: pay your rates in full by Monday, 8 August 2011, complete the entry form on your rate notice and drop it into any of the fourteen entry boxes located across the City by Saturday, 20 August.  Plus, pay your rates early and you will automatically go in the draw to win a $3,000 Westpac Bonus Saver Account.

“With rate notices due out in the week commencing Monday, 18 July, this fantastic competition is the City’s way of thanking those who pay their rates promptly.”

Along with their annual rate notice, residents will receive Your guide to what you pay and the A-Z of what you get 2011-2012 which offers a breakdown of some of the organisation’s 200+ products and services. The guide is prefaced by a detailed budget summary, including what the rate rise means for residents.

“Significant challenges were experienced in preparing the 2011/2012 Budget due to major cost increases faced in electricity (up to 29.8 per cent), gas and fuel costs, along with increases in insurance costs in response to the high claims experienced in the industry due to natural disasters throughout Australia,” Dr Silcox said.

“Overall, our cost increases this year are more than six per cent but we have absorbed a proportion due mainly to $1.4 million gained in cost efficiencies. In spite of these significant cost increases, the increase in general residential rates will be a modest 4.3 per cent or $39, or 75 cents a week, for the average residential ratepayer.

“It is crucial to note how ratepayers’ funds go back into the community, including in the areas of rangers and security, public health, and road works, which all contribute to the safety and wellbeing of residents.”

To find out more about this year’s rates prize draw, including entry box locations and conditions of entry, click here or call 1300 635 845. To see a full list of the organisation’s products and services, click here. Your guide to what you pay and the A-Z of what you get 2011-2012 will also be available from stands at the City’s Civic Centre, libraries, recreation centres and community centres.