$25,000 fine for derelict motel

The company that owns Geraldton’s derelict Batavia Inn has been fined $25,000 and ordered to pay $1,395.40 costs for failing to comply with a building order.

Perth lawyer Tim Beckett who acted for the City of Greater Geraldton said no one appeared for the company Batavia Village Pty Ltd when the case came before Geraldton magistrate Chris Miocevich.

Mr Beckett said the court noted that if the company had not been in liquidation it would have likely copped a $50,000-plus fine, but reduced the penalty “having regard to the accused company’s financial position”.

Mayor Shane Van Styn, who lives next door to the derelict building, said the liquidator had not replied to any City correspondence.