Revealed: How many properties were sold due to unpaid rates

An auction to recoup unpaid rates across the region had an original list of almost 30 properties, as homeowners struggle with the rising cost of living and land values.

Revealed: How many properties went under the hammer at the last council auction due to unpaid rates.

Six properties have gone under the hammer on the Fraser Coast due to unpaid rates after an auction was held by the council late last year.

A Fraser Coast Regional Council spokeswoman said 29 properties were initially listed for the auction, which was held on October 17, 2024.

“Prior to the auction, 23 property owners paid off their rates, leaving six properties to auction,” she said.

“Four were sold, while the remaining two were passed in.”

The region’s overdue rates and charges is currently sitting at $9.6 million.

The council had not considered the sale of any properties for overdue rates for 2025 at this stage, the spokeswoman said.

It comes after Mayor George Seymour voted against the council budget last year because of the projected rate rise.

At the time, Mr Seymour said the magnitude of the rates rise was one he could not support.

He said in terms of the money the council was raising, the rates rise actually reached 12.72 per cent, without factoring in growth, which was what the council did to arrive at the annual figure.

Properties with three or more years of unpaid rates may be considered for sale.

“Council issues multiple reminder notices when rates become overdue,” she said.

The council had not considered the sale of any properties for overdue rates for 2025 at this stage, the spokeswoman said.

“If no payments are made, the debt may be referred to a mercantile agency for recovery and a suitable payment arrangement.

“If all recovery efforts are unsuccessful, a property may be listed for public auction.”

The spokeswoman said selling properties due to unpaid rates was always a last resort.

“In some cases, council has engaged with property owners for more than five years to provide every opportunity to settle outstanding debts,” she said.

The spokeswoman said the council understood financial hardship could arise due to unforeseen events or illnesses.

“To support those experiencing difficulties, council has a Financial Hardship Policy allowing eligible ratepayers to apply for interest to be suspended,” she said.

“We also encourage ratepayers to seek assistance from free financial counselling services for help with budgeting and reducing outstanding balances.

“Starting the recovery process for overdue rates can also help property owners discuss their situation with their bank, access superannuation funds, or propose a payment plan with council – rather than allowing the debt to continue growing.”

The spokeswoman said property owners had until the sale began to remove the property from auction by paying the full outstanding amount.

Six properties have gone under the hammer on the Fraser Coast due to unpaid rates after an auction was held late last year.

If a property is sold, the council only retains the value of the overdue rates and charges, with the balance provided to the mortgage holder or property owner.

“While council makes every effort to work with property owners with long overdue rates, it is also important to ensure fairness for all ratepayers,” the spokeswoman said.

“Other property owners should not have to bear the burden of funding services that benefit those who do not contribute to rates.

“It is unfair to other ratepayers who bear the burden of funding services that are also being used by property owners who are not contributing to rates.”

Interest is charged on overdue rates at eight per cent per year and is calculated daily.

“When a payment is made, it goes toward the oldest debt first, which helps reduce the amount that future interest is charged on,” the spokeswoman said.

Dramatic new details emerge in dingo attack on boy at K’gari

Urban myths and legends to keep you up at night