A sheriff could be called in to evict a Box Hill couple after they failed to leave a property earmarked for two new schools, despite reportedly being paid up to $27 million for the land.
Michael and Rita Nicolaou were given until midnight Monday to vacate their 2.8-hectare home on Terry Rd, but remain onsite. Education Department officials say the couple received an official notice to vacate 120 days ago.
The Daily Telegraph reported the sheriff could move in as early as Friday if the couple do not leave by Wednesday.
“The department has been more than patient with the former owners of the land in Box Hill,” a DET spokesperson said. “The families of Box Hill are relying on us to get their schools built.”
The Minns government wants the primary and secondary schools built by January 2028 to meet demand in the fast-growing suburb.
The Nicolaous argue they are working quickly to vacate but heavy rain has delayed moving their possessions, greyhounds and other animals.
“We are cooperating and moving as fast as we can but the wet weather has made it really difficult,” they said in a statement.
“Even the department’s contractors that have been working on the property have been getting bogged.”
The couple maintain they are not opposed to the school, claiming the department initially told them they could stay until work was ready to begin.
Source: Daily Telegraph.
