Properties under threat: Brisbane’s worst rate-dodgers revealed

Shocking data has revealed Brisbane’s biggest rate-dodger now owes almost $400,000 in unpaid bills. But that person is just the tip of the iceberg. SEE THE MAP

Rate-dodging Brisbane residents are amassing hundreds of thousands of dollars in unpaid bills and are ignoring repeated recovery attempts that could cost them their properties.

Council data obtained by The Courier-Mail reveals that the River City’s highest unpaid rates bill has surged to a whopping $398,901, as council continues an ongoing legal battle with the owner.

It is one of 20 properties across the city that currently hold rates debts of more than $100,000 – including one that is flagged for auction over a long-overdue rates bill.

Council’s finance administration and small business chair Adam Allan said forced sale of properties was “always a last resort” in council’s rate-recovery process.

“(It) only follows multiple attempts and options for the outstanding rates to be paid,” he said.

“Selling homes is not something we want to do, but unfortunately sometimes we get to this point as it’s not right for the rest of Brisbane to have to pick up the bill.”

“From time to time we see instances where a property owner has a significant amount of unpaid rates and no attempt to pay rates for many years.”

Council is currently pursuing some $27.5 million in unpaid rates across the city with residents of Brisbane’s CBD accounting for the largest amount of unpaid bills: 345, worth $2.23 million.

Spring Hill, Kangaroo Point, Fortitude Valley and Hamilton were also among the top five.

The Courier-Mail revealed late last year that southeast councils were chasing almost $200 million in unpaid rates revenue, after unpaid bills surged in the wake of COVID-19.

More than a quarter of that debt is owed by Gold Coast constituents, whose unpaid rates accounts equate to a staggering $63.374 million.

The River City saw the biggest rise in rates arrears over COVID, with debts skyrocketing by 75 per cent to almost $34 million in September 2019 – compared to $19.32 million the year before.

That number has since decreased dramatically to $27,566,210

Council had listed nine properties in 2017 and another nine in 2018 for auction over unpaid rates bills – however, none were actually sold.

“In a majority of cases the rates are paid and we do not have to proceed to auction and this is a great outcome,” Mr Allan said.

“Brisbane has the lowest minimum residential rates in South East Queensland and 96 per cent of rates bill are paid on time.”