Back
Other

Rockhampton Regional Council Recovers $1.128 Million in Overdue Rates via Property Auction

Generated on: Last updated: 1 sources
View source

Rockhampton Council Recovers A$1.128 Million in Overdue Rates Through Property Auction

The Rockhampton Regional Council has successfully recovered A$1.128 million in overdue rates and charges by selling six properties at a public auction. The council had initially issued final notices to 30 property owners.

The auction took place at City Hall with about 40 attendees. Among the buyers was Nathan Casey, who purchased a three-bedroom home in Depot Hill for A$200,000. Casey commented that traditional real estate prices in the region were "ridiculous".

"Traditional real estate prices in the region were ridiculous." — Nathan Casey, buyer

Properties Sold

  • Five residential properties and one commercial property were offered for sale.
  • The commercial property—Central Hotel on Lakes Creek Road in Koongal—sold for A$218,000 to interstate buyers who had not inspected the property. The hotel had been boarded up and was in disrepair.

Legal Basis

Under Queensland's Local Government Act 2012, councils can sell residential properties when rates and charges are overdue for three or more years, and commercial properties after one year. The reserve price must be at least market value, or the higher of overdue rates or value. Sale proceeds cover outstanding fees, with any remainder returned to the original owner.

Context

Rates account for 69% of Rockhampton Regional Council's budget. As of March 2026, 4.32% of rates were unpaid. This year's sale was the largest the council has held in recent years, compared to just six properties sold across the previous three financial years combined.

"No council anywhere in Australia wants to sell anyone's home or anyone's property, but at the end of the day, the services have been used, and the rates need to be paid."

Matt Burnett, president of the Local Government Association of Queensland and mayor of Gladstone Regional Council, stated that auctions are a last resort and that most overdue amounts are paid before auction.

Other Councils Taking Action

  • Isaac Regional Council sold five of 10 properties for A$511,147 in February, with another property sold post-auction.
  • Central Highlands Regional Council issued notices to 32 property owners for nearly A$1.6 million in overdue rates, with an auction scheduled for July.