Landowners receive new Statutory Land Valuations for rural land and non-rural land in Queensland

New Land Valuations 

Did you know that on 8 March 2017 new statutory land valuations were issued across 28 local government areas in Queensland? Various local government areas that received new statutory land valuations include, but are not limited to, the following local government areas:- Rockhampton, Livingstone, Central Highlands, Barcaldine, Blackall-Tambo, Gladstone and Mackay.

About Land Valuations 

Land valuations are issued annually for all rateable properties by the Queensland Valuer-General under the Land Valuation Act 2010.

Land valuations are used to assess council rates, land tax and state land rental (for state leasehold land) and the new statutory land valuations will be effective from 30 June 2017.

Depending on the type of land owned, landowners may receive a statutory land valuation notice for, but not limited to, rural land and/or non-rural land (including land zoned rural-residential).

Rural land valuation notices may show an increased or decreased value for the "unimproved value" whereas non-rural land valuation notices may show an increased or decreased value for the "site value".

Objection Period  

Landowners who do not agree with the "unimproved value" or "site value" of their property may lodge an objection with the Department of Natural Resources and Mines within 60 days from the date that the new statutory land valuation was issued. The 2017 objection period close on 8 May 2017.

Objection Requirements   

For an objection to be considered, the Landowner must have acceptable grounds and the Landowner provide as follows:

• sufficient information demonstrating that the new statutory land valuation is incorrect; 
• all information required by the Land Valuation Act 2010; and 
• the objection must be lodged with 60 days from the date that the new statutory land valuation was issued. 

What if my land is rural land but the new statutory land valuation shows my land as non-rural land?   

If the new statutory valuation shows your land as non-rural land and you believe that your land is rural land and should be valued using the "unimproved value" methodology then you may be eligible to submit a rural land application to have your land declared as rural land (provided that your land meets the relevant criteria).

Contact our Environment, Energy and Agribusiness Solicitor, Emma Kime on (07) 4927 6333 or at emmak@reesjones.com.au