Vehicle removal hits city budget

AN ABANDONED car is removed from Townsville’s streets every two days and comes at an annual net cost to ratepayers of almost $ 10,000, the council has been told.

The council’s community health and environment committee this week considered a report on abandoned vehicles showing 174 vehicles were removed by the council in 2017- 18.

Cars that are unregistered or parked in a way that is considered a danger to the public are removed and stored for about two months while attempts are made to contact its last registered owner before it is sold at auction.

The committee was told the number of complaints from the public about abandoned cars is increasing and that 719 requests from the public were made to the council to remove abandoned cars.

A parking officer told the council they removed only unregistered or dangerously parked vehicles and had posed problems in the past by removing vehicles left by people away on holidays or service people absent from the city.

Committee chair Cr AnnMaree Greaney said when a car was reported as abandoned a council officer would investigate to determine whether it could be removed.

“Cars parked dangerously can be removed immediately,” Cr Greaney said.

“Unregistered vehicles are affixed with a sticker requesting the owner move it within seven days or council will collect it and auction the vehicle if unclaimed. Registered vehicles are not removed unless they are parked dangerously.”

Community Safety Advisory Committee chair Cr Russ Cook said the proceeds of any auctions were used to cover the costs incurred from investigating and removing abandoned cars.

“Council held four auctions last year and auctioned off 177 vehicles for $ 35,109,” Cr Cook said.

“Unfortunately that amount doesn’t cover the total cost of removing abandoned vehicles from streets across Townsville.

“The total cost – including staff time and towing fees – was $ 44,490 for last financial year, which left ratepayers $ 9380 out of pocket.”

Cr Cook said it was important residents reported abandoned cars to both the council and police.