Local Government Act 1993

In proceedings under this Division, a court may give any orders in relation to costs it thinks reasonable, including an order – for the person on whom an abatement notice is served to pay the council any costs incurred by it – in the proceedings before it; and in taking any action to abate a nuisance under section 200 or 201; or for a council to pay any costs incurred by the owner or occupier of land in respect of which the council took action under section 200 or 201.

If any costs awarded to a council are not paid within 3 years, the council may sell the land in respect of which an abatement notice is served in accordance with Division 11 of Part 9 as if the unpaid costs were unpaid rates.