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Last Updated: Wednesday, 21 June 2023 15:50

Published: Wednesday, 21 June 2023 15:36

A supportive and collaborative approach to rates and charges is paying dividends for Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC).

TRC Finance and Business Strategy Committee portfolio leader Cr Kerry Shine said the number of properties with unpaid rates of three years or more was consistent with recent annual figures.

“Figures calculated in early June 2023 show there are 60 properties with outstanding rates or charges totalling $1,298,509.14. The properties have been identified as having some or all their rates or charges overdue for three years or more,” Cr Shine said.

“The number of properties with overdue rates is consistent with figures for June in recent years. (53 properties in June 2022; 64 properties in June 2021; none, due to the suspension of the policy due to COVID-19 in June 2020; and 65 properties in June 2019) *See final auction figures below.

“Our arrears figures have been improving in dollar and percentage terms in recent years (less than 5% per annum).”

Cr Shine said today’s (June 21) Finance and Business Strategy Committee recommendation for Council to start the legislative process of selling the properties with overdue rates and charges would be considered at next week’s Ordinary Meeting of Council (June 27).

“While legislative powers exist under the Local Government Act to collect outstanding rates and charges, including the sale of properties in certain circumstances, we find it far better to offer a range of support mechanisms to enable ratepayers and residents to meet their legal obligations,” Cr Shine said.

“There still is an opportunity for affected property owners to speak with Council about available options to meet their current rates debt. Council encourages people to contact us to discuss a possible resolution.

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

Council will issue Notices of Intention to Sell Land on July 14, 2023. Council encourages residents whose properties are on this list to contact us to discuss payment.

If applicable, auction notices will be issued on October 20, with any auction listed for November 10, 2023.

Ratepayers 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 or call 131 872.

Recent sale of property figures:
June 2022: (4 auctioned – 1 sold at auction, 2 sold after auction, which settle soon, 1 removed)
June 2021: (2 auctioned – 1 sold at auction, 1 sold after auction)
June 2020: none (COVID-19)
June 2019: (3 auctioned – 1 sold at auction, 1 passed in, but later transferred to Council’s ownership, 1 unsold).