Over 900 ratepayers will receive full refunds for inappropriately imposed levies
The High Court has affirmed the judgements of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, ruling that the Redland City Council lacked statutory authority to levy special charges on ratepayers from 2011 to 2017.
The Redland Council disclosed in March 2017 that the canal maintenance levy imposed on Redlands' ratepayers was invalid. The council reimbursed a portion of the funds collected, but Shine Lawyers initiated legal proceedings on behalf of the ratepayers to reclaim the remaining amounts.
A total of 972 owners of canal and lakefront properties are to set to receive a full refund for the inappropriately imposed levies, in addition to interest and costs.
“This is a proud win for over 900 Redlands ratepayers who had their voices heard and recognised by the highest court in the country. Ratepayers will now have money put back in their pockets, where it belongs,” stated Vicky Antzoulatos, Shine Lawyers' joint head of class actions. “Today, we remind councils of the importance of transparency with their constituents”.
Augusta Ventures financed the class action.
