Australian property owners who own derelict buildings in Brisbane could be forced to repair and maintain them after the city council drafted a law proposing it increases the sway it has over local property owners.
Traditionally, the state government is able to exercise power over people who own property while the city council is not, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
Lord mayor Graham Quirk has announced plans to change this equilibrium as part of an ongoing scheme to "clean up" the area and protect buildings from becoming unsightly or hazardous.
"First and foremost, I want to continue with my strategy of working constructively with the owners of problem buildings to get them fixed up," said the mayor.
He added that he acknowledged the role of the state government in the process but wished to ensure Brisbane's taxpayers were given reliable support from their local council.
Mr Quirk spent 26 years as a local councillor and three years as deputy mayor before being appointed to his present position.
Posted by Craig Francis
