Bundaberg ratepayers receive some of the highest land valuation increases in the state

Land value increases of more than 80 per cent - and in one case almost 180 per cent - have put Bundaberg region property owners in a spin over potential massive rates hikes later this year.

Ratepayers across the Bundaberg region are at risk of a big rate rise after new land valuations revealed some suburbs had gone up in value by more than 80 per cent.

On Tuesday, March 26 the Valuer-General issued new land valuations to 20 local government areas across Queensland, which will take effect from June 30, 2024.

While the Theodore suburb of the Banana Shire had the biggest rise of 178.50 per cent, 20 of Bundaberg’s 32 suburbs rose in value by more than 20 per cent.

Buxton and Wallaville land values increased by 80.50 per cent, with Moore Park Beach rising 79.20 per cent.

Childers recorded a 14.5 per cent rise in their land valuations.

SEE THE FULL LIST IN OUR INTERACTIVE: Select the Bundaberg list to see all the suburbs

The valuations are expected to impact not only rates but other bills across the state, with many LGAs left uncertain as to what to expect due to the recent elections.

Valuer-General Laura Dietrich said a demand for land in southeast Queensland had contributed to the valuation rise, but commented rates were in the hands of councils.

“Rates are set by councils when they determine annual budgets, but it’s important to stress, valuations are not the only data considered by a council when deciding rates,” she said.

“Local governments have wide ranging powers to manage rates, including differential rating, setting a minimum rate, rate capping and the averaging of valuations before rates are assessed.”

The reaction on social media since the valuations were released indicated ratepayers were worried about their future rates bills.

“Hope everyone is prepared for their rates to go up $500-$1000 with the new land valuations that have just come out,” one resident said.

Recently elected Bundaberg Mayor Helen Blackburn has promised to fight for the return of the early payment discount for Bundaberg ratepayers.

“My valuation went up by nearly $85,000 so that will increase my rates nearly $700 a year, they sure know how to milk every dollar out of already struggling people.

“So most likely that will mean landlords will need to increase rents to cover the extra costs as well.”

Others have shared similar sentiments, with many seeing the land valuation increases as not something to celebrate.

“It’s just getting worse, isn’t it,” one commenter said.

“Mine went up $118,000 so I’m waiting for the crippling increase.”

Many have shared thoughts and hopes that new Mayor Helen Blackburn will keep her promise of fighting to return the early payment discount.

Despite this hope, a council spokesman confirmed nothing was set in stone in terms of rate increases until the budget was handed down later this year.

“The budget is expected to be handed down in June/July and council cannot comment prior to that decision being made by the elected council,” they said.

Originally published as Bundaberg ratepayers receive some of the highest land valuation increases in the state