A council has been billed about $208 a day for the last two years by one of its ratepayers, who claims he is now owed more than $174,000.
That's according to the ratepayer himself, who believes a section of footpath, a public bench and power poles are on his land.
The Tasmanian Coastal council has declined to pay.
The ratepayer, Michele 'Mike' Mauceri, is a businessman from Melbourne who bought the Burnie Backpackers hostel on View Road back in 2019.
He had grand dreams of setting up a BNB with sweeping ocean views, a restaurant, and a European-style terrazza.
He admitted progress on his dream had been slow, but, after hitting "constant brick walls" thrown up by the council, Mr Mauceri has decided to fight back.
"This is my land. I pay rates on it," he said.
"I've sent a bill each month to the council since May including arrears for how much they owe me for occupying my land."
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According to Mr Mauceri's calculations, the council should be paying him about $208 a day for the use of his land, as well as "damages" for allowing TasNetworks, TasWater and Telstra facilities to be installed without prior arrangements.
He argued that it was unfair that he was currently paying rates on a 2671 square metre block while a section of it was being "unlawfully occupied".
"I'm not really expecting them to pay it," he said.
"But they've been really rude in response. They're bullying me because I'm a foreigner from interstate. I came here to create jobs and bring tourism to the region."
They're bullying me ... I came here to create jobs and bring tourism to the region.
- Mike Mauceri
Burnie City Council director of works and services Gary Neil responded to Mr Mauceri's bills with a letter on July 20.
"The invoice that you have sent does not constitute a lawful demand for any amount owed you by the Burnie City Council," he wrote.
"The invoice will not be paid and we request that you desist from sending such notices."
Mr Mauceri said the council had not offered to meet with him to discuss the situation, and that he was currently seeking legal advice.
General manager Simon Overland said the council "cannot publicly discuss an issue between (the) council and a private resident".
Meg Powell
Meg Powell has been a journalist for the Advocate Newspaper in North-West Tasmania since 2019. She has covered a range of areas and issues including crime, health, environmental issues, business, social affairs , the arts and education. Got a story to share? Email megan.powell@theadvocate.com.au or call 0448 302 029
Meg Powell has been a journalist for the Advocate Newspaper in North-West Tasmania since 2019. She has covered a range of areas and issues including crime, health, environmental issues, business, social affairs , the arts and education. Got a story to share? Email megan.powell@theadvocate.com.au or call 0448 302 029
