Application for a Waiver or Reduction of Fees and Charges

Section 610E of the Local Government Act 1993 allows Council to waive payment of or reduce a fee in a particular case if it is satisfied that the case falls within a category of hardship or any other category that Council has determined. 

The Fees and Charges for the current financial year can be found here.

Council has determined that fees may be waived or reduced in the following categories:

Category one – financial hardship

Council may reduce or waive fees in cases where the applicant provides evidence that the payment of the fee will impose significant financial hardship. 

Each application will be considered on its merits on a case-by-case basis. In determining eligibility on the basis of significant hardship, Council will:

1. Apply the criteria commensurate with the value of the fee requested to be waived.
2. Require the applicant to provide reasonable proof of financial hardship, which may include details of assets, income and living expenses, a letter from a recognised welfare agency or financial counsellor confirming financial hardship and/or medical certificate, and other information required to make a valid assessment.

Category two - charity

Council may reduce or waive fees in where the applicant is a registered charity and the fee is for a service that will enable the provision of charitable services to City of Newcastle's community.

Category three – illness or death 

Council may reduce or waive fees in cases where the applicant provides evidence that the charge was incurred because of:

1. Serious illness of a customer or the customer’s immediate family member;
2. Serious accident involving the customer or the customer’s immediate family member; or
3. Death of a customer or the customer’s immediate family member.

In determining eligibility on the basis of illness or death, Council will require the customer to present:

1. Medical certificate; or
2. Statutory declaration.

Category four – Large Commercial Waste Operators

Council may reduce fees for Commercial Customers that have committed to dispose (at SWMC) either;

• >5,000 tonnes per annum of soil classified as General Solid Waste; or
• >15,000 tonnes per annum of mixed General Solid Waste

Category five – Civic Services Commercial Operators

Council may reduce or waive fees relating to Commercial Operators providing they provide a positive net benefit to the community, and in line with competitive neutrality principles.

You can use this form to apply for a reduction or waiver of fees and charges.

• It is essential that you read through the eligibility terms and conditions (PART F) before you complete the form. You are not required to submit this form where reduced fees identified in the fees and charges schedule apply.
• Make sure you complete all sections in clear print and/or type directly into the form.
• Please tick YES or NO where required. If you are using the form electronically, double click the check box and select 'checked'.
• Applications are to be lodged prior to the date of an event or activity (at least two weeks prior where possible).

In Person - At the Customer Service Counter, located on the ground floor of 12 Stewart Avenue, Newcastle West. Operating times from 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Mail - Postal address: Chief Executive Officer, City of Newcastle, PO Box 489 Newcastle 2300.
Email - by return email to the officer or relevant department

• It is your responsibility to ensure the form is lodged prior to the date of your event or activity. Applications received after an event or activity will not be accepted.
• Please ensure all pages are submitted. An incomplete and/or unsigned application will not be accepted.

For further information please call the Customer Contact Centre on 02 4974 2000.