Property Search and Special Water Meter Reading Application

A Fraser Coast property search gives the detailed rates and charges information needed for settlement: owner, land area, valuation, current and outstanding rates and charges, interest, concessions, water and sewerage connections, debt recovery action and deferred infrastructure charges. It comes from the land record council must keep for rateable land (Local Government Regulation 2012 s 154). Overdue rates and charges are a charge on the land (Local Government Act 2009 s 95), so the buyer needs to know what is owing. The property search fee includes an ownership transfer registration fee, which the form ties to section 162 of the Local Government Regulation 2012 and section 97(2)(b) of the Local Government Act 2009. A special water meter reading gives a current read so water usage can be apportioned.

When you need it

• You are buying or selling property in Hervey Bay, Maryborough or elsewhere on the Fraser Coast and need the rates and charges position for settlement.
• You need a special water meter reading on its own or with the property search.
• You need the information urgently: within 3 working days of payment.

1. 1

   Applicant details

   Give your name, postal address, suburb, state and postcode, phone and email (the search response is sent to this address), the application date and your reference.

2. 2

   Property details

   Enter the vendor, purchaser, property legal description and property address. Use a separate form, with its own fee, for each lot.

3. 3

   Choose one search option

   Select one option per application: 1 urgent property search and special meter reading, 2 urgent property search only, 3 property search and special meter reading, 4 property search only, or 5 special water meter reading only.

• Return the form to Fraser Coast Regional Council, PO Box 1943, Hervey Bay QLD 4655, or email enquiry@frasercoast.qld.gov.au.
• Council only starts work once full payment is received. Council's rates page says that if you submit the form digitally, customer service will call you to take a credit card payment.
• Urgent options are provided within 3 working days of receipt of payment, and standard options within 5 to 10 working days.
• Fees are printed on the form. A non-refundable administration fee applies to a special meter reading if water is not connected, so check first by phoning 1300 79 49 29 or using council's online mapping.

• If the transfer does not go ahead, you can ask for a refund of the ownership transfer registration fee component only.
• The property search does not include zoning, development or flooding information. Order a planning and development certificate, flood search, building and plumbing search, trade waste search or compliance search separately.
• Easements, covenants, main roads limited access and water and sewer main locations are on council's online mapping, not in the search.