Houston Rd, Wallumbilla property sold after unpaid Maranoa Regional Council rates

A number of Maranoa properties were listed for auction due to unpaid rates, with one selling for a hefty sum. Here’s what happened.

Houston Rd, Wallumbilla was sold at auction for $780,000 after a lengthy period of unpaid rates.

After years of unpaid rates, one Maranoa property was sold at auction for more than $750,000.

The Maranoa Regional Council announced its intention to put some properties to auction after unpaid rates on April 12.

The original notice listed 10 properties to be auctioned on April 30.

Only six of those properties proceeded to auction on that date, with four settling their debts to council beforehand. A property at Houston Rd, Wallumbilla, was the only property to sell at auction for $780,000.

The properties which narrowly missed the auctioneer’s hammer were 44 Dublin St, Mitchell, 6 Twine St, Wallumbilla, 15 Eton St, Mitchell, and 8 Mary Street, Mitchell.

A spokesman for the Maranoa Regional Council said dealing with unpaid rates was extremely process driven.

“Five properties were passed in at this week’s auction. Under the local government regulations, council can decide to continue to offer these properties for sale by another auction, or sale by negotiation. Council is currently considering its options with these properties,” the spokesman said.

“It is important for ratepayers to contact council as soon as they know they will have difficulty paying their rates. Council has a range of assistance options for customers who are having trouble paying rates and charges, including short-term extensions and flexible payment arrangements.

“Collecting long-term outstanding rates is important to reduce the burden on all ratepayers.”