One lucky ratepayer will win $1000 off their rates simply by signing up to receive their rates notice by email and to pay by direct debit.
Council has also moved to electronic waste vouchers for eRates customers.
Everyone who registers will have their vouchers emailed to them and can use these at waste facilities around the region, rather than have them posted.
Organisational Services portfolio spokesperson Cr Steve Cooper said paying via eRates was convenient, contactless and streamlined.
“Most people already receive and pay their other bills online, so it makes sense that they can do that with their rates,” Cr Cooper said.
“Having your rates notice posted costs money, takes longer and can be hard to keep track of.
“It’s not only the problem of ‘the dog ate my rates' – there’s also the issue of security and, in a mountain of paper, keeping track of bills.
“The other important part of the campaign is the ability to pay your rates by direct debit.
“Our family uses direct debit to pay all our major bills and it certainly stops ‘bill shock’.
“Ratepayers can specify whether they want payments to come out of their nominated bank account weekly, fortnightly, monthly or half yearly – it’s so easy and convenient.”
East Bundaberg couple Troy and Michelle Kling, who won $1000 towards their rates during last year’s campaign, said the new system was very worthwhile.
“I find having all my bills in my email very easy to keep organised; they are just right there in the folders, wherever you are on your phone,” Michelle said.
To be in the running for the prize draw to win a $1,000 discount on your rates, ratepayers have until 17 July to register to receive their rates via email and to set up to pay by direct debit.
To enter, and to read the full list of details and competition criteria, head to the website.
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