Values in the town of Glenden have decreased by 40 per cent. Values on rural home sites within the shire have not altered from the values set in 1998. Values on grazing lands in the Blue Mountain area have not altered from the 1998 values. Values on other grazing lands in the shire have increased by up to 10 per cent on the 1998 issued values. Mr Smith said the valuations, which would take effect on June 30 this year, provided an annual snapshot of unimproved land values at 1 October 2000 and reflected the state of the local property market at that time.
Valuations are only one of many guides available to councils.
The actual rate charged is the decision of the individual council based on its local policies and financial requirements for the year ahead. Amendments to the Valuation of Land Act 1944 mean that some landholders who hold land under a lease, licence or permit from the State will receive two valuation notices this year. Objections can be lodged to valuations within 42 days of receipt of the notices and can be sent to the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, PO Box 63, Mackay, Qld 4740.