Sarah Ross* and her husband have lived in their Scenic Rim home for 23 years.
Just over three months ago Ms Ross feared they lose their home she received a letter from Scenic Rim Regional Council advising her they would be selling her house in three months.
“When the council letter arrived, it felt as though the ground disappeared beneath our feet,” she shared.
“Rising interest rates had already stretched our finances to breaking point. Every bill meant another difficult decision, and every increase made it harder to see a way forward.
“Then came the letter telling us our home could be sold.”
They approached the council to work out a payment plan, but could not come to an arrangement.
“It was far more than we could realistically afford. If we agreed to it, we would not have been able to make our mortgage repayments. What do you do in that situation?” she questioned.
“It didn’t feel like a choice at all.
“I broke down in tears.”
The strain of their dire situation led to arguments between Sarah and her husband.
“The pressure had become unbearable,” she revealed.
“We were frightened, overwhelmed and exhausted.”
At the eleventh hour she was able to access her superannuation and pay their rates arrears.
Ms Ross did not want to disclose the amount for privacy reasons, but she confirmed that it was less than $20,000.
There are currently six residential properties, one vacant land and one other property that have rates outstanding for three years or more and are likely to progress to a future auction, with a date is yet to be determined, according to Scenic Rim Regional Council’s Director Corporate and Community Services Jason Bradshaw.
Mr Bradshaw said as of the June 2026 Interim Financial Report the total outstanding rates and charges was just over $8 million.
The amount owing for people one year in arrears was $3,530,790, two years in arrears was $1,400,799 and three years or over was $1,643,566.
“Several hundred properties have been referred to an external collection agent, and some community members have ongoing payment arrangements with council,” he said.
Mr Bradshaw said council had engaged an external collection agent to follow up unpaid rate accounts and to assist ratepayers to establish payment arrangements.
“For those rate accounts in arrears that have been referred to council’s external recovery agent, any payment commitments should be negotiated directly with this firm,” he stated, but did not elaborate on what payment plans looked like.
“Under the local government legislation, the outstanding rates and charges must be paid in full to stop the legal process for the sale of land for rate arrears.
“The past debt and current rates would all need to be paid in full and final settlement to stop any sale.”
Mayor Tom Sharp said he was worried about the impact the council’s recent rate rise would have on those already struggling.
“I’m always concerned about the impact on all people in the region. I voted against the rate rises,” he said.
Four of seven councillors, Kerri Cryer, Jennifer Sanders, Marshall Chalk and Duncan McInnes, voted in favour of a budget which included a 5.8 per cent general rate rise at the council budget meeting in July this year.
“I wasn’t accepting of the justification of the rate rises, particularly relating to the carryover of expenditure from the previous year and if you can’t deliver how do you expect to take more money from people.”
Mayor Sharp said he had heard of the concerns from residents about the rise and would be engaging with residents over the coming weeks to get their feedback during his public engagements.
“I didn’t believe we had to increase rates,” he reiterated.
“I don’t think it’s making life any easier for people in the Scenic Rim. Every household is balancing their budget as best as they can.”
Sarah, who fought back tears during our interview, hoped others won’t have to go through what her family has.
“Financial hardship is not just about numbers on a page – it affects mental health family life and a person’s sense of security and dignity,” she explained.
“No family should have to choose between paying their mortgage and meeting an unaffordable payment plan. We need more flexibility more compassion and a recognition that working with people not against them, gives them the best chance of getting back on their feet.”
Get financial help
Scenic Rim Financial Planning director Sarah Nulty recommended people not ignore rates notices.
She said early action provides the greatest opportunity to access assistance.
Ms Nulty said some recipients of Centrelink payments may apply to receive part of their future payment early which can be done through the MyGov portal.
Recipients of the Age Pension or Disability Pension are eligible for discounts on rates.
She said Centrelink also offers one-off payments for people experiencing specific extreme circumstances such as domestic violence, natural disasters, humanitarian entrants and release from prison or psychiatric confinement.
For those with a lot of equity in their property, Ms Nulty said the government’s Home Equity Access Scheme could be an option, and she said interest rate repayments were much cheaper than a reverse mortgage.
Although accessing superannuation is an option for those whose homes could be sold to pay outstanding rates, Ms Nulty warned that superannuation was intended for retirement and accessing it early would reduce future retirement savings.
Mr Bradshaw said council encouraged any ratepayer to make contact via email or phone if they are having difficulty paying by the due date.
Financial guidance is available from the Free Financial Information Service and the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007.
*Names have been changed.
