Byron Shire Council

Government95% confidence

Byron Shire Council is the local government authority responsible for municipal services, planning, infrastructure, and community facilities within the Byron Shire region of New South Wales, Australia.

Mullumbimby, New South Wales, Australia

About Byron Shire Council

Byron Shire Council is the local government authority for the Byron Shire region in northern New South Wales, Australia, based in Mullumbimby. It is responsible for essential municipal services such as roads and drainage, town planning and development approvals, waste and recycling, water and sewerage (where applicable), community facilities, libraries, parks and recreation areas, and a wide range of community and environmental programs. Residents and businesses regularly interact with the council for things like property rates, development applications, building and planning certificates, pet registrations, parking permits and fines, venue hire, and various licenses and approvals.

A charge from Byron Shire Council may appear on your bank or card statement for several reasons. Common examples include quarterly or annual council rates, water or sewer charges, paying parking fines or infringements, renewing dog or cat registrations, development application (DA) or building application fees, planning certificates, hall or sports field hire, waste disposal or tip fees, on‑street parking payments via an app or machine, or paying for a permit (for example, a markets stall, business signage, or outdoor dining). Some charges are once‑off (such as a DA lodgement fee or certificate), while others recur on a regular cycle (such as rates instalments or scheduled direct‑debit arrangements for rates or water). You may also see a temporary “pending” amount if you paid via card and the bank has not yet finalised the transaction.

If you’re unsure about a Byron Shire Council charge, start by checking recent emails or letters from council for rates, water, fines, or permit notices that match the amount and date. Log into any relevant online portals you use (such as rates or infringement payment portals) and compare transaction histories or receipts. To clarify a charge, contact the council directly via the contact options on byron.nsw.gov.au, providing the exact amount, date, and the name on the card or account used; they can look up the transaction against your property, account, or infringement number. Common issues—such as double payments, incorrect references, or expired cards still linked to direct debit—are usually resolved by adjusting your account, issuing a credit, or processing a refund where eligible, in line with council’s fees and charges and refund policies.

Bank Statement Variations

2 known variations

These are the raw merchant codes that appear on bank and credit card statements that we've identified as belonging to Byron Shire Council.

  1. Byron Shire Council Mullumbimby AU
  2. Byron Shire Council Mullumbimby AUS

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of payments commonly show up as a Byron Shire Council charge on my statement?

Typical charges include property rates instalments, water and sewer usage or access charges (where council is the provider), parking fines and infringements, dog or cat registration and renewal fees, development application (DA) and construction certificate fees, planning or zoning certificates, waste and tip fees, and venue or facility hire. If you run a business, you may also see charges for trade waste, health inspections, market stall fees, outdoor dining, or signage permits.

Why am I being charged by Byron Shire Council on a regular or quarterly basis?

Regular or quarterly charges most often relate to property rates or, in some cases, water and sewer accounts. Many property owners choose to pay rates by quarterly instalments, and some set up direct debit arrangements so the amount is automatically taken on the due date. Check your latest rates notice or water bill from council and compare the instalment dates and amounts with your statement. If you have multiple properties, remember that each property can generate separate scheduled payments.

Can Byron Shire Council put a temporary or pending hold on my card?

Council payments are generally processed as straightforward card transactions, but depending on your bank, you may see them first as a ‘pending’ charge before they are finalised. If you paid via an online portal or over the counter with a debit/credit card, your bank may temporarily authorise the amount before it settles. This hold should convert to a completed transaction or drop off within a few business days; if it remains for longer, contact your bank and then council with your payment details.

How do I cancel or change an automatic payment arrangement with Byron Shire Council?

If you’ve set up a direct debit or recurring card payment for rates, water, or another council account, you usually need to submit a written request or an online form to cancel or amend it. Visit byron.nsw.gov.au and look under ‘Rates’, ‘Water’, or the relevant service for information on changing or cancelling direct debits. You may also need to notify your bank if you want them to stop honouring the existing direct debit authority. Keep in mind that cancelling an automatic payment doesn’t cancel the underlying debt—you’ll still need to pay any outstanding balance by other methods.

How can I request a refund or correction for a Byron Shire Council payment I believe is wrong?

If you think you’ve been overcharged, paid the same notice twice, or paid the wrong account, contact Byron Shire Council as soon as possible with your receipt number, the exact amount and date, and, if applicable, your property, animal registration, or infringement number. Council will investigate the transaction and, if a genuine overpayment or error is confirmed, may transfer the funds to the correct account, hold it as a credit, or process a refund in line with its fees and charges and refund policies. Start by using the online contact form or the phone number listed on byron.nsw.gov.au, selecting the area relevant to your payment (e.g. Rates, Water, or Infringements).

Why do I see a Byron Shire Council charge for an unusual or uneven amount (e.g. not a round number)?

Many council fees are set according to statutory schedules, rateable values, or specific service calculations, which often result in non‑round amounts. For instance, rates are based on land value and rating categories, water charges on usage, and some applications include base fees plus additional charges. Compare the exact amount on your statement with your latest notice, approval letter, infringement, or online receipt; the figures should match. If they don’t, contact council with both the expected and actual amounts so staff can reconcile the difference.

How can I confirm which account or property a Byron Shire Council charge relates to?

Start by checking any recent council notices, emails, or letters that match the date and amount of the charge, especially rates, water, or infringement notices. If you manage multiple properties or accounts (for example, investment properties or several animal registrations), log into any council online services you use or gather your account and reference numbers. When you contact council, provide the transaction amount, date, the last four digits of the card used, and your name and address; staff can generally locate the payment against the correct property, registration, or account.

How can I contact Byron Shire Council about a charge on my statement and get a copy of the receipt?

Go to byron.nsw.gov.au and use the ‘Contact us’ or relevant service page (e.g. Rates, Water, Infringements, or Development) to find current phone numbers, email addresses, and online enquiry forms. When you get in touch, include as much detail as possible: the amount and date of the charge, the payment method, your full name, address, and any reference from your bill or notice. Council can usually email or post a copy of your receipt or account history once they verify your details.

This merchant is in the Government category

Browse all

Got more mystery charges?

Paste your bank statement codes and we'll tell you exactly who charged you.

Find out who charged you