2 April 2024. Last updated 2 April 2024.
AgForce is urging Queensland landholders not to delay if they want to object to new land valuations – or risk being lumped with higher council rates and state land rent.
On 26 March 2024, the Valuer-General issued land valuations for 20 local government areas in Queensland: Banana, Barcoo, Bulloo, Bundaberg, Central Highlands, Cook, Diamantina, Fraser Coast, Gold Coast, Goondiwindi, Isaac, Livingstone, Longreach, Moreton Bay, Redland, Somerset, Sunshine Coast, Torres, Whitsunday, Winton.
The valuations reflect land values as at 1 October 2023, and are effective from 30 June 2024.
Some of the highest rises in primary production values are in Banana 154%, Barcoo 250%, Bulloo 252%, Central Highlands 121.3% Diamantina 254.6%, Longreach 151.2% and Winton 117.3%.
AgForce CEO Michael Guerin said the time for landholders to speak up was now, with objections needing to be lodged with the Valuer-General by the 27 May 2024.
“Unimproved values determine what council rates rural landholders pay and are also used to calculate leasehold rents, so it’s important the figures are right,” Mr Guerin said.
“In recent years, AgForce has assisted many members secure significant reductions in valuations, resulting in large savings, and once again we are ready to assist with our free workshops to help people assess their valuations and find out more about the objection process.
AgForce’s valuer John Moore said responsibility for ensuring values were correct lay with landowners, not local governments.
“Unimproved values are done by mass appraisal, meaning your property isn’t individually valued so errors can occur,” Mr Moore said.
“It’s important you object to your new valuation if you believe the unimproved value is too high, because it could result in large savings in rates or rent.
“But you only have until 27 May 2024 to do so, so I urge landowners to begin the process today.”
Landowners who disagree with their valuation and are able to provide supporting information can lodge their objection online or at the address shown at the top of their valuation notice by 27 May 2024.
If you don’t have internet access, call 1300 664 217 to request an objection kit.
Specific information on market movements in the 20 local government areas revalued in 2024 can be found on the land valuations website.