Property Search Request

Every Queensland council must keep a land record for each parcel of rateable land, showing the owner's name and postal address, the land's description, valuation and the rates and charges levied, including any overdue amounts and interest (Local Government Regulation 2012 s 154). Overdue rates and charges are a charge on the land (Local Government Act 2009 s 95), which is why a buyer checks the rates position before settlement. Paroo's two-page form covers a standard or urgent (24 hour) rate search, a building records search, a copy of a certificate of classification, a health search and a pool safety certificate. Councils keep building approval documents available for inspection and purchase under schedule 22 of the Planning Regulation 2017. For most class 10 structures (sheds, carports and the like, but not pool fences) that obligation ends 10 years after approval, so older records may no longer exist.

When you need it

• You are buying or selling property in Cunnamulla or elsewhere in the Paroo shire and need a rate search before settlement.
• You need an urgent rate search within 24 hours.
• You want to check council's building records, or need a certificate of classification for a building.
• You need a health search for a business, or a pool safety certificate.

1. 1

   Applicant details

   Give your name, postal address, attention or reference, phone, email, the application date and the settlement date.

2. 2

   Property details

   Enter the street number, street name and town, then the lot and plan and the vendor's and purchaser's names.

3. 3

   Searches required

   Tick each search. The fee is printed beside each; the pool safety certificate is at cost with a minimum charge.

4. 4

   Receipt and payment

   On page 2, give the name and address the receipt or tax invoice should be made out to. If paying by card, complete the credit card payment authority.

• Email: council@paroo.qld.gov.au.
• Post: Attn: Property Search Request, Paroo Shire Council, PO Box 75, Cunnamulla QLD 4490.
• In person: Civic and Community Enterprise Centre, 49 Stockyard Street, Cunnamulla.
• Enquiries: (07) 4655 8400. Fees are printed on the form; check you have the current version.

• The receipt section lets the tax invoice be made out to a firm or organisation rather than the applicant, which suits conveyancers ordering for a client.
• Give the settlement date so council knows when the search is needed.