Frequently asked questions
Below is a list of frequently asked questions and information relating to Council services.
If your query is not covered in the information below, or on Council's website, contact Council's Customer Service Centre or complete a feedback form.
Waste services
Q. What day is my rubbish bin collected?
A. To find out what day your rubbish is collected, visit the bin collections page and enter your street name in the 'Search' box. You can also download and print the calendar.
Alternatively, contact Council on (07) 5420 8200.
Q. My recycling bin has lost its divider - does it need to be replaced?
A. No. The middle divider is no longer necessary. Dividers from all recycling bins were removed during June 2007.
Council uses a 'co-mingled' service which means all recyclables can be placed in the bin together - no separation is required.
Q. Where are the rubbish tips within Caloundra City?
A. There are three:
- Caloundra Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre at Pierce Avenue
- Beerwah Resource Recovery Centre at Roberts Road
- Witta Resource Recovery Centre on the corner of Cooke and Witta Roads
Find out more about the Landfill and Resource Recovery Centres' facilities and services.
Q. What are the opening hours of the rubbish tips?
A. Open every day except Christmas Day and Good Friday.
- Caloundra, Pierce Avenue - seven days, 7am to 5pm
- Beerwah, Roberts Road - seven days, 8am to 5pm (domestic waste only)
- Witta, Corner of Cooke Road and Witta Road - Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, 8am to 5pm (domestic waste only)
See more waste services information.
Rates
General information
Q. How often are Rates issued within Caloundra City, and when are they issued?
A. Caloundra City Council issue general rates notices annually. These notices are generally issued at the end of July, and are due at the end of August.
Q. How will my rates be spent?
A. General rates fund an array of services and facilities for the community ranging from libraries, lifeguards, regulatory services, policy and planning to sport and recreation, roads, bridges, footpaths and parks.
Council has worked hard to find a balance between general property rates and charges for services, and has concentrated on maintaining and upgrading the basics including roads, parks and recreation infrastructure.
Q. Will my rates go up under the new rates method, and will the increase be in line with my unimproved capital value (UCV)?
A. Not necessarily. Council has continued its use of three-year averaging of UCVs and differential bandings to try to lessen the impact of valuation spikes.
The number of rate bands has been expanded to 20, reflecting more specific categories and increasing UCVs.
Changes have also been made to minimums and rates in the dollar in an effort to balance the rates distribution across the City’s properties as equitably as possible.
Q. Under the new rates method, why have units been treated differently?
A. In an effort to distribute the rates burden fairly, unit owners whose properties are similar in value to a house, and who have the same access to Council’s services, will pay similar rates to house owners.
In line with house owners, no distinction has been made between whether the unit is owner-occupied or not. Most unit owners will still pay the minimum general rate.
Q. Under the rates method, what's happened to the Pensioner Rebate offered by Council?
A. Council recognises the increasing cost of living for those pensioners on a fixed income and has raised the pensioner discount from 10 per cent to 12.5 per cent.
Q. Can I pay my rates off in instalments?
A. Yes. Once the general rates notice is issued you are given 4 weeks to either pay the account in full and obtain your 10% discount or submit an application to pay your rates in instalments.
You can opt to pay fortnightly, monthly or three payments spread over the financial year. All rates must be paid in full by 30 June otherwise interest will be charged on the gross amount, not just the outstanding balance.
Find out more about paying your rates in instalments.
Q. Will I lose my discount if I opt to pay my rates off under an approved instalment plan?
A. Yes. The 10% discount only applies if the rates are paid in full by the due date.
Q. I receive a Pension rebate on my rates. Will I lose this if I opt to pay my rates off under an approved instalment plan?
A. No. You will still receive your pension discount, however you will not receive the 10% discount for paying in full by the due date.
Q. What payment methods are available for payment of my rates?
A. Council offers seven ways to pay your rates. See more information on rates payment methods.
Q. What is Council's Biller Code for BPAY payments?
A. 3277 - the reference number is your rates assessment number.
See more rates information.
Water
Q. I think that I have a water leak or my water meter is leaking – who is responsible for fixing this?
A. This depends on whether it is in "internal" leak or not. To determine this:
- Turn off all taps and ensure no water is being used (including washing machines, dishwasher, ice manufacturing fridges)
- Look at the meter.
- If the meter is still ticking over this means the leak is internal. You will need to contact a certified plumber. If the meter is not ticking over, you should contact Council on (07) 5420 8200 as soon as possible.
Q. Do you send out excess water bills? How is water charged?
A. Caloundra City Council have a "user pays" system for water usage. This means that whatever water is used by the occupier is paid for by the property owner.
Council reads the water meters twice a year and bills are issued for the amount of water that has passed through the meter.
For current water consumption fees, check the schedule of rates and charges.
Q. I have just received a water rates notice for a property I recently purchased. I didn't own the property for the period that the bill is for, do I have to pay it?
A. Yes. All rates are the responsibility of the current property owner. The water readings should have been adjusted upon settlement. Check your settlement paperwork or contact the company that acted for you in the purchase of the property.
Infringements
Q. I have been issued a fine and don't think I should have to pay it. What are my options?
A. Once an infringement notice (fine) has been issued, you have two options. You can either pay the infringement in full or appeal the fine by electing to have the matter heard before a court.
Q. I have received a $150 fine. Can I pay this fine off?
A. Infringements for $150 or greater can be paid off under a Voluntary Installment Payment arrangement (VIP).
The first installment of $60 is to be made to Caloundra City Council by the due date (28 days from the date of issue). The alleged offender must complete the reverse of the infringement notice. Arrangements for the remaining payments will be initiated by SPER.
See information about parking fines.