Warwick’s $3m SPER debt is worst in region

WARWICK residents owe more than $3 million in unpaid fines, ranking it the worst in the region by a staggering amount.

According to new SPER data taken between July 2019 and May 2020, the 4370 postcode owes a total of $3,288,000 to the state for court and government agency imposed fines.

The Southern Downs electorate owes a jaw-dropping $7,848,000 in fines.

The top three reasons for unpaid fines for Warwick included speeding, driving offences (dangerous driving or driving without a seatbelt) and tolling.

This new data comes as 4300 debtors across Queensland sought a deferral in March of up to 90 days as part of the collection agency’s response to coronavirus.

According to SPER spokesman, the data reflected the seriousness of Warwick’s debt to the agency.

“SPER debts don’t just go away and the consequences can be serious, so it’s important that people deal with their debt or contact SPER if they need more time to pay,” he said.

“SPER is always willing to reach acceptable payment arrangements based on an individual’s circumstances and can take a tailored approach to a person’s debt history.”

The runner-up to Warwick in the Southern Downs state electorate region was Stanthorpe, at a considerably lower $1,891,000.

Following 2016 census population data, the data means that approximately 10 per cent of Warwick residents owed debt of some kind, with 1584 debtors listed in the round up.