Outlying small towns remain steady, however D'Agular experienced a 20 per cent reduction and Woodford showed a 10 per cent reduction on smaller serviced residential blocks. Rural home sites throughout the shire are generally unchanged. Beef cattle and dairy production land shows a 50 per cent increase across the shire, in line with Kilcoy properties. Horticultural small crop production lands show mostly 50 per cent increases across the shire with some larger parcels increasing more than 50 per cent. Mr Cremer 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 1080, Caboolture Qld 4510.