Four properties proceeded to auction today with Bundaberg Regional Council seeking the sales to recover long-overdue unpaid rates.
Finance portfolio spokesman Steve Cooper said 11 properties had originally been advertised for sale by auction for arrears of rates.
Overdue rates on seven of the lots had been finalised and only four were listed for auction today.
Cr Cooper said 18 bidders had registered for the auction with three properties sold and one passed in and retained by Council.
A property at 122 Sims Road realised $162,000, another at 1/6 Pearl Court $107,000 and a property at 19 Telegraph Road had realised $116,000. Two of the three properties had exceeded the reserve price.
“A property at 9/75 Sylvan Drive failed to meet reserve and was passed in. The property will now be added to Council’s land register,” Cr Cooper said.
“It is always unfortunate to see properties proceed to auction. These properties have had rates outstanding for three years or more.
“Council debt management staff undertake an exhaustive process in engaging with ratepayers with long overdue payments. Auctioning of the properties is the very last resort.
“The debt management processes Council has had in place over the past couple of years has seen a steady decline in rate arrears.
“The advice to all ratepayers who may be experiencing some difficulty in meeting their payment obligations is to contact the Council rates team and discuss their circumstances.”
Today’s auction was conducted by LJ Hooker on behalf of Council.
