13 properties across Brewarrina Shire to go under the hammer for unpaid rates

13 properties are set to go under the hammer from across the Brewarrina Shire next week as Council makes a final effort to recoup long-overdue payments from unpaid rates. The properties on offer on Thursday March 27, include houses, dwellings and vacant land in Brewarrina, Goodooga and Angledool.

Councillors resolved at the Ordinary Business Meeting on November 26 last year that the process would be started for the sale of the land for almost $300,000 in overdue rates, in accordance with the Local Government Act.

Council will only recoup what is owed in outstanding rates and charges, with any further amounts made from the auction above the outstanding rates paid to the landowner.

Brewarrina Shire Council General Manager David Kirby said the auction was an absolute last resort after every attempt to recover payment had been unsuccessful.

“Unpaid rates are a heavy burden on our Council and community, and this auction represents the final step in a very lengthy process to recoup a substantial amount in long-overdue payments,” Mr Kirby said.

“The landowners have had ample opportunity to respond to Council and make arrangements for payments. We have reached out to them multiple times, publicly advertised the sale, and this measure is only being taken after all other avenues have been exhausted.

“We are committed to maintaining fairness and transparency throughout the process, and the landowners can still settle overdue amounts right up until the auction date.

“Selling someone’s property is not something we take lightly but unfortunately, it’s the final step we can take to address and manage the financial responsibilities within the community, ensuring that all residents are fairly contributing to the development and maintenance of our Shire’s resources and infrastructure.

“We have a financial hardship policy in place and understand sometimes there may delays in payments because of short term hardships. However, these properties have significant unpaid amounts and have been for quite some time.”

The auction will take place on Thursday, March 27, at the Council Chamber with pre-registration for bidders from 9am and the auction starting at 10am. Photo ID is required for registration. Schute Bell Property will oversee the auction, with Jason Hartin serving as the auctioneer. A 10% deposit is required for the successful bidders on the day to secure the purchase.

“I encourage all interested parties to participate in the auction, as it is a chance to acquire property while contributing to the financial health of our community,” concluded Mr Kirby.  

Properties available for auction include:

Further information on the properties or auction, please contact agent Schute Bell Brewarrina.