Date made for auction

THE Toowoomba Regional Council has revealed when it will auction off more than 40 properties later this year, unless the landowners pay their outstanding rates and charges as soon as possible.

The council last month released a list of more than 50 parcels across the Toowoomba region that had unpaid rates on them worth more than $877,000, with one featuring $170,000 on it.

The practice is a last-resort option to encourage debts to be cleared, but the council has the power to sell off a property to recover the costs at auction.

The number has reduced to 43 thanks to some landholders paying their dues, with Councillor Kerry Shine saying all remaining owners would be contacted this month outlining their options.

From there, the list of the remaining properties will be revealed.

“In the first instance, council is proactive in its multiple attempts to contact residents and ratepayers with assistance and offers of support mechanisms where they find it difficult to meet their legal obligations regarding rates,” he said.

“On occasions, council might not succeed in its attempts to contact the relevant property owners, which then requires council to publish its intention to sell property in a newspaper that circulates across Queensland (The Courier Mail) and the gazette.

“Based on recent experience, council expects most property owners will pay their outstanding rates before the sale of land auction.”

Mr Shine said properties would be listed for auction by October for a date the following month.

“Council will issue notices of intention to sell land on July 15, 2022. Council encourages residents whose properties are on this list to contact us to discuss payment,” he said.

“If applicable, auction notices will be issued on October 21, with any auction listed for November 18, 2022.

“Rate arrears across the Toowoomba region have declined over recent years.

“Residents can register to receive their rate notice and water notice by email and sign up for direct debit payment options.”

For more information and to sign up for email delivery, please visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/rates.