Payment Help Information

We understand that financial circumstances can change. If you're having difficulty paying your rates, please contact us as early as possible on (02) 6625 0500 or council@lismore.nsw.gov.au.

Our priority is to work with you to find a practical solution wherever we can. The earlier you get in touch, the more options may be available.

Our approach is guided by the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW), the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 and the NSW Office of Local Government's Debt Management and Hardship Guidelines. These establish the framework for how councils levy and recover rates, provide hardship assistance, offer eligible concessions and, where necessary, undertake debt recovery. Council applies these requirements alongside its Rates and Charges Hardship Policy to ensure decisions are fair, consistent and transparent.

Step 1 – Your rates become overdue

If your rates are not paid in full by the due date, your account becomes overdue and interest may be charged on the outstanding amount. Interest is calculated daily at the rate set out in Council's annual management plan, in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993.

What you can do:

✔ Pay the outstanding amount

✔ Contact us if you're experiencing financial hardship. 


Step 2 – We encourage you to contact us

If you're unable to pay, we'll work with you to understand your circumstances before recovery action progresses.

Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for hardship assistance including:

  • payment arrangements
  • pensioner concessions
  • interest relief

Step 3 – We assess your circumstances

If you apply for hardship assistance, we'll ask you to complete an application and provide supporting information.

This may include:

  • details about your financial circumstances
  • reasons payment cannot currently be made
  • bank statements
  • supporting information from a financial counsellor or adviser (where available).

Every application is assessed individually.

Submitting an application does not automatically mean it will be approved.

Step 4 – If assistance is approved

Depending on your circumstances, Council may be able to assist through:

  1. Payment arrangements

You may be able to pay your rates over time through an agreed payment plan.

2. Interest relief

In some circumstances, Council may reduce or write off accrued interest.

3. Pensioner assistance

Eligible pensioners may receive concessions or additional hardship assistance.

Step 5 – Keep your payment arrangement

If a payment arrangement is approved, it's important to keep to the agreed payments.

If you're unable to continue making payments, contact us immediately.

The sooner you let us know, the more likely we can work with you to review your arrangement.

Step 6 – If we don't hear from you

If your rates remain unpaid and no payment arrangement or hardship assistance is in place, Council will continue its normal debt recovery process.

This may include:

  • reminder notices
  • recovery action through a debt collection agency or legal representative
  • additional recovery costs where permitted.

We encourage you to contact us as soon as possible to discuss your circumstances before recovery action commences.

Step 7 – Sale of land (last resort)

The sale of land to recover unpaid rates is the final step available to Council under the Local Government Act.

It is only considered after:

  • rates have remained unpaid for an extended period
  • reasonable attempts have been made to contact the owner
  • available payment and hardship options have been provided
  • all legislative requirements have been met.

Our goal is always to resolve overdue rates before this stage becomes necessary.


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