*Update 24 March 2025: since publication, one Angledool property has been withdrawn from the auction.

Fourteen properties in the Brewarrina shire are set go under the hammer next week after the landowners persistently failed to pay their rates.

Two residential dwellings, one commercial property and 11 properties classed as vacant across Brewarrina, Goodooga and Angledool are up for auction as the council moves to recover almost $300,000 in overdue charges.

The auction takes place on Thursday 27 March at the council chamber on Brewarrina's Bathurst Street. 

Brewarrina Shire Council General Manager David Kirby said the auction is a last resort.

"Unpaid rates are a heavy burden on our Council and community," Mr Kirby said.

"The landowners have had ample opportunity to respond to Council and make arrangements for payments. We have reached out to them multiple times, publicly advertised the sale, and this measure is only being taken after all other avenues have been exhausted.

"We have a financial hardship policy in place and understand sometimes there may delays in payments because of short-term hardships. However, these properties have significant unpaid amounts and have been for quite some time.

"Landowners can still settle overdue amounts right up until the auction date."

This property on Brewarrina's Bourke Street is set to head for auction. IMAGE: Google Maps

The council could not confirm whether the residential and business properties are occupied.

Under NSW law, councils can sell vacant land to recover charges if they are unpaid for more than a year.

For other land, councils must wait five years.

Bidder registration begins at 9am and the auction starts at 10am. Photo ID is required for registration.

Successful bidders must put down a ten per cent deposit on the day for the purchase.

"There's a fair bit of interest," said Richelle Codrington from real estate agency Schute Bell, who are overseeing the auction.

"People see it as a somewhat bargain scenario, which isn't always the case."

Mr Kirby encouraged budding property owners to join the auction.

"It is a chance to acquire property while contributing to the financial health of our community," he said.