Fifteen properties are expected to be auctioned on behalf of Gunnedah Shire this Friday to recover rates and charges that have remained unpaid for more than five years in the case of occupied land, or one year in the case of vacant land.
The auction comes following a lengthy process of contacting owners for payment, and public advertising.
Gunnedah Shire Council General Manager Eric Groth said it was necessary to take the action in cases where every attempt to secure payment, including payment plans, had been unsuccessful.
"It is not something that is undertaken lightly, and is carried out in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993 which stipulates Council may sell land on which a rate or charge has remained unpaid for more than five years," Mr Groth said.
"This auction is being held to clear the total outstanding amount of $166,541.51 that is owed by the various property owners. Nearly all of these properties are vacant land."
One of the properties originally listed for the auction has been withdrawn from the auction after rates and charges were paid in full. A number of others will be auctioned together as parcels of land.
Property owners have until the time of the sale to make arrangements satisfactory to the Council for payment of all outstanding rates and charges, otherwise the land will be sold by public auction by Lakeford Real Estate at the Civic, 83 Chandos Street, Gunnedah on Friday, May 27 at 11am.
The properties are in Tambar Springs, Breeza, Curlewis and Gunnedah.
The Local Government Act 1993 states surplus funds from the auction of properties with outstanding debts are held with Council's Trust Fund pending discharge to persons having interest in the properties. Where no claim is forthcoming, the balance of sale proceeds is remitted to the State Government in accordance with the Unclaimed Moneys Act.
