Rates & Water Plans

Nikki Trautmann

5 years ago

Source: Townsville City Council

Residential property owners receive rate notices twice a year, usually in February and August. The rates notice includes both general rates and utilities charges (water, sewerage and rubbish collection).

The notice issued in February covers half yearly rates and charges for January 1 to June 30 and the notice issued in August covers half yearly rates and charges for July 1 to December 31.

A 10% discount applies to the general rate component of the rate notice if paid by the due date.

For privacy reasons YouTube needs your permission to be loaded. For more details, please see our PRIVACY POLICY.

Did you know you can pay your rates throughout the year?

You can make weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments via BPAY. Divide your yearly amount into smaller, more manageable amounts to make payment easier. Just use your BPAY biller code and reference number to make your payment.

Water Billing Options

There are two water billing options to choose from: the Standard plan and the Water Watchers Plan.

Standard Plan (fixed allocation)
You will be allocated 772kL of water for $1,008 per year. This is split in two equal parts and charged over two rates notices each financial year. This is $504 for six months. If you use more than the allocated 772kL, you will be charged $3.86 per kilolitre as an excess water charge.

Water Watcher Standard Plan (fixed allocation)
You will be charged a service connection fee of $456 per year. This is split into two equal parts and over two rates notices. This is $228 for six months. Your actual water use on the Water Watchers Plan is billed at a lower rate – $1.83 for every kilolitre of water you use.

Water Watcher Standard Plan (fixed allocation)

You will be charged a service connection fee of $456 per year. This is split into two equal parts and over two rates notices. This is $228 for six months.

Your actual water use on the Water Watchers Plan is billed at a lower rate – $1.83 for every kilolitre of water you use.

Which plan should I be on?

If your water use is low (under 297 kilolitres), you will benefit from being on the Water Watchers Plan. Are you a water watcher or waster? Regularly checking your water meter will help you work out how much water your household uses.

Check Your Water Meter Day is held on the 14th day of every month. Keep an eye on your water use by using our simple tips for saving water at home.

How do I change my water plan?

You can change your water billing plan online or visit our Customer Service Centre at 103 Walker Street, Townsville City during the annual opt-in period.

Remember, you will need a copy of your last rates notice in order for us to help you with changing your water billing option.

Exceptions to the water opt-in period

If you purchase a new property outside of the Water Opt-in period, you will have four weeks from the date of receipt of invitation to change to submit your request to change water billing options. Any change will be effective from the first meter read after the date of transfer.

Download: Schedule of Rates and Charges 2024/25

Download: Rates and Charges Frequently Asked Questions

The information provided on this page is from Townsville City Council’s website, is used for educational purposes only and is current as of 08/2024. This information is subject to change without warning.

For more information, please visit https://www.townsville.qld.gov.au/