Geraldton: Batavia Motor Inne’s day in court faces another delay as talks continue with liquidators

The owners of the decrepit Batavia Motor Inne’s day in court has been delayed, after the City’s second crack at the defunct Singaporean property syndicate was adjourned.

No one appeared on behalf of either Batavia Village Pty Ltd or the City of Greater Geraldton in Geraldton Magistrate’s Court last week, as the charge against the building’s owners of failing to comply with a building order was called.

The matter was adjourned to June 24, with Magistrate Chris Miocevich saying both parties had given notice that they agreed to postpone the hearing until a date after June 1.

Lawyers representing the City and liquidators of the syndicate previously met in Geraldton Magistrate’s Court on February 18, where lawyer representing the liquidators Andrew Mason requested the matter be adjourned to allow more discussion time with the prosecution.

It was then Mr Miocevich set the April 1 court date to allow both parties to continue negotiations.

This is the second time the City has launched legal action against the building’s owners after last year they were fined $25,000 and ordered to pay $1395.40 costs for failing to comply with a building order from the City of Greater Geraldton to secure or demolish the building.

No attempt was made to pay the fine or comply with the order, prompting the City’s second legal challenge in January. The City of Greater Geraldton offered to buy the property for an undisclosed sum, but the offer was rejected by liquidators.

City chief executive Ross McKim said discussions with the other party were ongoing.