Published on 25 September 2026
At its Ordinary Council Meeting held on 23 September 2026, Council resolved to begin the sale of land process in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) (NI) for portions of land which rates and charges have remained unpaid for more than five (5) years.
A total of 25 parcels of land were approved by Council for sale under this process.
Sale of land to recover outstanding rates and charges is a last resort for Council.
Council strongly encourages these landowners to contact Council and pay their outstanding rates and charges. We recognise that it may not be feasible for some people to pay the amount in full. In such circumstances, Council is willing to work with landowners to enter into a satisfactory payment arrangement in line with its debt recovery and hardship policies. Where payment is paid in full, or a satisfactory payment arrangement is entered into to pay off the rates over time, Council will withdraw the associated parcels of land from the sale process.
Council acknowledges that this action will be concerning for those affected and emphasises that its preference is to work directly with landowners to resolve outstanding debts without the need for sale proceedings. These landowners will soon be formally notified of Council’s intention to sell land for overdue rates and charges in accordance with the relevant legislation.
The Auction date for the sale of the land portions is 29 January 2027.
Council is currently operating with a significant operating deficit budget, meaning that expenditure exceeds revenue, and continues to review both expenditure and revenue as part of broader financial sustainability initiatives. Recovery of outstanding debts remains an important component of maintaining Council's cash flow and supporting the continued delivery of services to the Norfolk Island community.
Rates revenue plays an important role in funding local infrastructure, community facilities and essential services delivered by Council. To ensure fairness and consistency for all ratepayers, Council continues to manage overdue accounts in accordance with its adopted Rates and Charges Debt Recovery Policy.
Council encourages any ratepayer experiencing financial difficulties to contact Customer Care as early as possible to discuss available support options.
SUPPORT AVAILABLE
Council undertakes debt recovery activities in accordance with its adopted policies and remains committed to working constructively and confidentially with ratepayers wherever possible.
View Council’s Rates and Charges Debt Recovery Policy at www.nirc.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/1/corporate-and-finance/documents/311-rates-and-charges-debt-recovery-policy.pdf
View Council's Hardship Policy – Rates and Charges at www.nirc.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/1/corporate-and-finance/documents/302-hardship-policy-rates-and-charges.pdf.
Council recognises that discussions regarding rates and charges is sensitive within the Norfolk Island community. Council remains committed to treating all ratepayers with respect and encourages early engagement with Council.
For enquiries, please contact Customer Care by email at customercare@nirc.gov.nf, by local free call on 0100, or by telephone on (+6723) 22001.