Article written by Olivia Babb
Multiple properties will be auctioned to the highest bidder in an attempt to recover unpaid debts and rates to Gunnedah Shire council totalling $139,345.23.
Out of the sixteen properties, eleven are in Breeza, two are in Tambar Springs, and one is in Gunnedah, Curlewis and Premer.
The Local Government Act 1993 states that surplus funds from the auction of properties with outstanding debts are held with Council’s Trust Fund pending discharge to persons interested in the properties. Where no claim is forthcoming, the balance of sale proceeds is remitted to the State Government per the Unclaimed Moneys Act.
A spokesperson from Gunnedah Shire council said that they had attempted to reclaim payments over the last four years and that most properties were deceased estates.
A council may, in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993 No 30:
(a) sell any land (including vacant land) on which any rate or charge has remained unpaid for more than five years from the date on which it became payable, and
(b) sell any vacant land on which any rate or charge has remained unpaid for more than one year but not more than five years from the date on which it became payable, but only if—(i) the council obtains a valuation of the land from the Valuer-General, and
(ii) the total amount of unpaid rates or charges on the land exceeds the valuation, and
(iii) the council sells the land within six months after the date when the council received the valuation
Gunnedah Shire Council General Manager Eric Groth said it was necessary to take action in cases where every attempt to contact and obtain payment from the property owner had been unsuccessful.
If the sale of the property or land exceeds the amount owing, any monies will be placed into the Council’s Trust Fund, at which time any persons with interest can claim it for up to six years from the unclaimed monies act.
Auctions take place on Friday, May 27th
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