Redland City Council will hold an auction in September to sell properties with overdue rates and charges as it looks to recoup more than $500,000 in fees owed to the city.
The majority of blocks currently listed for sale are located on the bay islands, with 29 on Russell, five on Macleay, three on Lamb and a single block each at Victoria Point and Redland Bay.
Redland City Council said in a statement that auctions were the last resort to recover rates and charges.
“Upon the sale of any property, council will receive the amount owed in overdue rates and charges, and costs incurred, with the balance of the proceeds paying for any other outstanding debts associated with the property title, and the remainder going to the property owner,” council said.
“Council’s land auction for unpaid rates and charges is a routine practise followed by many councils across Queensland and follows extensive efforts to work with property owners to assist them in paying their rates.
“Rates and charges are used to upgrade local roads, build new parks and provide other important infrastructure and council services.”
The Local Government Regulation gives councils power to sell land when some or all charges are overdue by three years, or one year for vacant land when council has obtained judgement from the magistrate’s court.
“Council has been in contact with all property owners who have a property listed for auction, and owners have until the auction commences on auction day to pay the amount in arrears, in which case their property will not be auctioned,” council said.
“Information to support property owners experiencing difficulty paying rates and charges can be found on council’s website.
“Council has also established a Civic Support Fund for community organisations to assist Redlands Coast residents adversely impacted by cost-of-living pressures.”
The auction will be held at Capalaba Place, 14 Noeleen Street on Tuesday, September 12 from 9.30am.
