Statement on overdue rates auction

Published on 06 November 2025

Council understands that financial hardship can arise due to unforeseen events or illnesses.

Auctioning properties for unpaid rates is always a last resort. In many cases, Council has been working with property owners over several years, providing multiple opportunities to settle their debt.

To support those experiencing difficulties, Council has a Financial Hardship Policy, allowing eligible ratepayers to apply for interest to be suspended.

We also encourage ratepayers to seek help from free financial counselling services for support with budgeting and reducing outstanding balances.

Starting the recovery process for overdue rates can also help property owners discuss their situation with their bank, access superannuation funds, or propose a payment plan with Council - rather than allowing the debt to continue growing.

Property owners have until the auction begins to remove the property from auction by paying the full outstanding amount. If a property is sold, Council only retains the amount owed in rates and charges, with the remaining balance provided to the mortgage holder or property owner.

While Council makes every effort to work with property owners with long overdue rates, it’s also important to ensure fairness for all ratepayers. Other property owners should not have to bear the burden of funding services that benefit those who do not contribute to rates.

The most recent land auction was held on 14 October 2025, with 22 properties issued a Notice of Intention to Sell.

Prior to the auction, 19 properties were removed from the sale of land process, leaving three properties to auction. All three properties were sold at auction.