Values in the towns of Clairview and Greenhill have increased by 20 per cent on the existing valuations. Values in the towns of Dysart and Middlemount have decreased by 40 per cent on the existing valuations. Values in the other towns within the shire have not changed and rural residential values in the shire have remained unchanged. Mr Smith said values in the western grazing areas had increased by 10 per cent while values in the coastal grazing areas had not changed since the 1998 valuation. Of the 124 local governments in Queensland, there were 37 that had sufficient market movement for new valuations to be issued this year.
Valuations are only one of many guides available to councils.
Mr Smith said the actual rate charged was the decision of the individual council based on its local policies and financial requirements for the year ahead. However, valuations are used by the Office of State Revenue for levying land tax. 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.