Shanahan Koebsch Pty Ltd collapses over tax debt

A civil works company that operated across southeast Queensland is under a financial investigation after it folded with a six-figure debt.

A civil works company, which operated across southeast Queensland, has been forced into liquidation by the Federal Court over a six-figure tax debt. Picture: NewsWire / Glenn Campbell

A civil works company, which operated across southeast Queensland, has been forced into liquidation by the Federal Court over a six-figure tax debt.

The company Shanahan Koebsch Pty Ltd, which traded as SK Works, was placed into liquidation last week, Australian Securities and Investments Commission documents revealed.

ASIC documents show the company was first registered in August 2015 and was directed by Karana Downs resident Sharon Holmes.

The company’s principal place of business is listed in the documents as a Mountain Creek address.

A Federal Court order made on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, appointed liquidator from RSM Australia, Mitchell Herrett, to wind the company up.

The court order also lists Viva Energy Australia Pty Ltd as a supporting creditor in the winding up.

Mr Herrett said the SK Works provided services involving civil works across southeast Queensland before its collapse, which was a result of the company’s failure to pay a substantial tax debt.

Mr Herrett revealed the company had accumulated a debt of $588,689 owed to the Australian Taxation Office.

“Investigations are ongoing regarding any additional debts and if there are any other circumstances that have led to the company’s liquidation,” Mr Herrett said.

The latest company collapse comes after Sunshine Coast liquidator Paul Nogueira predicted the ATO would continue an “aggressive” approach to outstanding tax debts in 2025.

Mr Nogueira also previously stated that while some industries, such as tourism and hospitality may start to recover, the construction sector would likely remain unsteady.

“Tourism-related industries, particularly hospitality and retail, are benefiting from strong visitor numbers. However, the recovery remains uneven, with sectors like building and construction continuing to face significant challenges,” Mr Nogueira said.

Originally published as Shanahan Koebsch Pty Ltd collapses over tax debt