TRC plans property auctions to recover charges

MORE than 40 properties across the Toowoomba region will be auctioned off this year to help the council recoup more than $500,000 in unpaid rates and charges.

The councillors voted yesterday to allow CEO Brian Pidgeon to begin the auctioning process, which would hope to sell off properties from nearly 30 towns and suburbs across the Toowoomba region.

The debt on these properties as of May 23 was $561,000, with some of these owing nearly $50,000.

According to the report by rates and revenue principal Shayne Morris, properties need to be overdue on council bills by three years or more before auctioning is considered.

“The pursuit of the outstanding rates or charges within the legislative framework is a demonstration of responsible financial management and the promotion of equitable treatment of all ratepayers,” he wrote.

“The recovery of overdue rates or charges is a priority and there is evidence that council's collection strategies are achieving the desired outcome.”

Auctions must take place at least between three and six months after the motion is moved.

As well as being in small towns like Oakey and Pittsworth, properties are also in inner-city suburbs like East Toowoomba and Centenary Heights.

The council will advertise the auctions in The Chronicle.