General News
30 September, 2026
Rates default auction
SIX Cassowary Coast properties are going to auction following prolonged rate arrears, with the regional council acting under state local government legislation.
Local authorities hold statutory powers to enforce the sale of freehold land if council rates and charges remain outstanding for an extended period, generally exceeding three years.
The auction is set for 10am on Saturday 17 October at the Tully Civic Centre.
Council representatives have pointed out on social media that initiating sale proceedings is never a first step and is treated strictly as a “last resort” measure.
Prior to reaching the auction stage, property owners receive standard rate notices, formal reminders and opportunities to establish manageable payment arrangements.
If arrears persist, matters are referred to formal debt recovery.
Even after three years of non-payment, council says it issues further courtesy warnings and grants additional time for owners to reduce their balances below the statutory threshold required to trigger a forced sale.
Public auction notices often prompt quick action, with debts settled quickly.
Property owners or financial institutions frequently settle debts before the gavel falls.
Council initiated a similar proceeding in May 2025, scheduling an auction at the Innisfail Shire Hall, but the event was ultimately cancelled when all outstanding rates were cleared in full prior to the auction date.
Unless full payment of overdue rates and associated administrative expenses is cleared prior to the October date, the following six freehold properties across the region will go under the hammer:
800 Old Tully Road, Djarawong (1.036 Ha) – Lot 2 SP111629
36 Jodrell Street, Webb (0.217 Ha) – Lot 156 RP706421
7 Golden Cane Crescent, Cardwell (0.0902 Ha) – Lot 59 SP174367
1 Cassia Crescent, Cardwell (0.0668 Ha) – Lot 10 SP150183
14 Hielscher Street, Tully (0.085 Ha) – Lot 34 RP849970
83 Bryant Street, Tully (0.1 Ha) – Lot 2 T74644
Property owners seeking to settle outstanding accounts or make urgent payment arrangements before the auction date can contact council’s rates and revenue team on 1300 763 903 or via email at enquiries@cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au.
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