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RATES, FEES & CHARGES

Rates help us to fund a wide range of facilities and services in the Cook Shire Council region such as (but not limited to):

  • Maintaining Roads and Walkways
  • Maintaining Parks and Gardens
  • Collection and disposal of Waste and Recyclables
  • Supplying Water and Sewerage services
  • Operating and maintaining our Libraries, public amenities and Community buildings including our Events Centre
  • Airports
  • Protection of threatened plants and animals
  • A range of other services and facilities

The information provided in this section aims to assist you with understanding the charges on your rate notice, outlines “how to pay” options and provides details for where to go to get help.

For more information on how Council determines the amount you pay for rates and charges, please contact the Department of State Development and Infrastructure.

Rate notice frequency

Rate notices are issued twice a year in August/September and February/March.

The formal document detailing the Rates and Utility Charges, adopted by Council is the Revenue Statement.

Cook Shire rates

Payment methods

Cook Shire rates

Discounts, rebates and concessions

Cook Shire rates

General Rates and Utility Charges

Cook Shire rates

Adjustments or Changes

Cook Shire rates

Fees and Charges

Cook Shire rates

Rate and Property Search

FAQ's

The following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) have been developed to assist ratepayers.

When are my Rates Notices issued?

Council issues half-yearly Rates Notices.

August/September (1st levy) for the billing period 1 July to 31 December; and

In February/March (2nd levy) for the billing period 1 January to 30 June.

How can I get a copy of my Rates Notice?

You can request a copy of your Rates Notice and Water Notice by emailing mail@cook.qld.gov.au

We recommend that you store these documents in a safe place, as these may be required for proof of ownership of your property or tax purposes.

How can I get my Rates Notice emailed to me?

If you would like to arrange to receive your Rates Notice electronically, please complete the form Receive Rate Notice Electronically and return via email to mail@cook.qld.gov.au or by post to Council.

How can I change my mailing address with Council?

Complete the form found on the Rate Adjustments or Changes page to change your mailing address.

You can also complete a Rates Change of Mailing Address Request Form to change your mailing address. A hard copy of this form can be collected from Council’s Administration Office located at 10 Furneaux Street, Cooktown

Council requires that any changes made to mailing addresses be made in writing; a change of mailing address cannot be made over the telephone.

How do I receive a discount on my Rates?

You will only receive the discount amount noted on your Rates Notice if the total amount on that notice is received by Council by the due date.

It is recommended that payments via BPAY®, Telephone or the internet are transmitted at least three (3) working days prior to the due date to allow for payments to be processed and the receipt of funds be completed by the due date.

Please refer to our Payment Methods page for more information.

What Concessions or Rebates are available?

Rebates and concessions are determined on an annual basis on the adoption of each budget and reflect Council’s commitment to continue to assist Ratepayers with their payment of Rates.

Please visit the Rate Discounts, Rebates & Concessions page for more information.

Who values my property?

Department of Resources is responsible for valuing all properties in the Local Government Area (LGA). Council uses this valuation to calculate the General Rates component of each Levy. All enquiries relating to valuations should be directed to the Department.

Questioning Charges on a Rate Account?

If a property owner believes there is a discrepancy in the charges levied on a rate account, Contact with Council is required with our Rates Department prior to the due date as printed on the notice.

Please note: Questioning a rate notice does not extend the discount period.

To receive a discount on the ‘Notice in question’, payment in full is required, before the end of the business day of the due date.

Following a review of the matter & should the matter result in a reduction to the levy, full refunds will be processed accordingly.