They were influenced by a slowdown in demand from the adjoining Esk Shire. Mr Cremer said the rural market consisting of mainly grazing and fodder cropping enterprises had strengthened considerably with sales in the shire of Kilcoy generally rising 50 percent above the levels of the 1997 values. The significantly strengthened cattle market and purchasers moving into the area from the more intensively settled eastern areas have been the main reasons for the increase. Of the 124 local governments in Queensland, there were 37 that had sufficient market movement for new valuations to be issued this year. Mr Cremer said it was important to clarify some misconceptions about the relationship between valuations and setting of council rates.
Valuations are only one of many guides available to councils.
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 Department of Natural Resources and Mines, PO Box 1080, Caboolture Qld 4510.