George died and his 1.8hectare property sat empty for 75 years… his grandchildren came forward to claim it but here’s why it’s mow being taken away from them
A huge plot of land claimed by the owner’s grandchildren 75 years after his death will be sold at auction by the council after falling into arrears.
The 1.8 hectare block in Currumbin Valley, south-east Queensland, has been largely idle since owner George Bertram McClymont died in 1940.
Mr. McClymont bought it in 1923 and planned to use it as a banana farm, but the land was occasionally used by neighbors to run horses and animals.
Descendants of Mr McClymont only came forward to claim the property when it was reported in the local press that the site was being resumed as parkland in 2014.
It was reported at the time that Gold Coast councilor Chris Robbins had been told there were nine surviving grandchildren of Mr McClymont.
His two children have long since passed away.
The city’s finance boss, William Owen-Jones, said at the time that the council would discuss the future of the land with the McClymont family.
“If we follow due process and can connect the property to its rightful owners, then this is what we want to do,” he said.
A huge tract of land that remained largely unused for 75 years after being forgotten by its heirs is being auctioned
Neighbors had assumed the land must be government-owned since it had been idle for decades
“However, the people would have to prove that they have a rightful and legitimate claim to the land.
“If multiple claimants ultimately come forward, the city will have to assess which path is best to proceed, but the municipality may have to resort to a public advertisement.”
Because the property had been considered unvalued since the late 20th century, the family members were not charged any municipal taxes until 2014.
Since then, the fees have been piling up and the family is now $9,589.60 in arrears.
Gold Coast City Council acting CEO Paul Callander said the property would be put up for auction in early 2025 unless arrears are cleared.
“At this stage we expect to hold an auction in the first quarter of next year,” a statement from Gold Coast council said.
A statement from the council said they were ‘determined to sell land as arrears of rates and charges have remained unpaid for longer than the period permitted by section 140(1)(c) of the Local Government Regulation 2012’ .
The property, which is located approximately 35km south of Surfers Paradise, is situated between Currumbin Creek Road and several private properties.