South Burnett Mayor Kathy Duff responds to fears of high land values

With parts of the South Burnett increasing in value by more than 150 per cent with the new land valuations, members of the council have moved to calm concerned property owners. Read what they said, and what you said:

South Burnett property owners received their most recent land valuations last week and many were left concerned and confused about the considerable increases that were seen across the region.

South Burnett property owners received their new land valuations last week and many were left concerned and confused about the considerable increases.

More than 17,500 residential, rural, commercial and industrial properties in the South Burnett were re-evaluated, and the total value change increased by 54 per cent.

Votes in an exclusive South Burnett Times poll and posts to social media revealed that most land owners felt the big increase was unfair and inaccurate.

In more than 80 comments and 60 reactions, the consensus was that property owners in the South Burnett and neighbouring regions were not happy with the new valuations.

Many people lashed out at the South Burnett Regional Council, were concerned about rate rises caused by the higher values, and questioned how the valuations were calculated when services in their area had not increased or improved.

According to the Queensland Government website, valuers take many different factors into account when calculating land value.

These factors include the trends and sales information in the property market, inspecting vacant or lightly improved properties that have recently sold, interviewing vendors and property buyers, considering the present use and zoning, and taking into account the physical attributes and constraints of the land.

Land valuations can be - but do not have to be - used to inform the calculation of council rates, as well as state land tax and state land rental.

Drayton Street in Nanango, which had an average increase in land value of 100 percent under the new valuations. Photo credit: David Martinelli

Mayor Kathy Duff responds to land valuation fears

Several members of the South Burnett Regional Council responded to some of the angry and upset comments on social media about the new valuations.

Mayor Kathy Duff said rates would not increase at the same proportion as land values and clarified that the council had no control over the state government land valuations.

“The rates will not go up according to your increased valuation, we will simply lower the rate in the dollar to adjust the impact,” she said.

“What we are hoping is that the valuation rise is consistent in each category because we can then just drop the rate in the dollar and the valuation rise will have minimal impact.”

Councillor Jane Erkens reiterated this message with Nanango residents and said the council would keep rates down as much as it could.

“For those who have received your new land valuation, that’s good news your assets have increased,” she said.

“This does not mean that your rates will increase in line with the increase of valuation.

“Council can adjust the rate in the dollar to keep rates down as far as they can.”

Any property owners with concerns about their valuations are encouraged to call 1300 664 217 or visit your local business centre.

What South Burnett land owners said about new valuations

Adam

“For an area with non potable drinking water and roads that are an abomination, I question the property values. The rates are outrageous too. Paid less in Brisbane. Had better roads, water, regular street sweepers and council mows the nature strips.”

Philby

“Doubled since 2022 valuation with absolutely no changes to any services (no sewerage) or infrastructure and don’t start on the roads situation … just more government theft”

Debbie

“We live in Cooyar our property doubled in valuation it’s disgraceful. Our little town doesn’t even have a shop or fuel anymore we have to do nearly 60km round trip for bread … There is absolutely NO infrastructure, can’t even get our roads fixed so we can use them without damaging our vehicles … We don’t have sewerage or water (except tank) so how is it justified a double the valuation???”

Errol

“Going be a lot of people NOT paying their rates, these valuations need rehashing. People got to apply have their valuation reconsidered due to lack services, bad roads, feral animals go for it don’t be shy.”

Kingaroy, the largest town in the region, saw an increase in land value more than 34 per cent. Pictured a row of townhouse on Haly Street.

Alec

“Yarraman. No Doctor, No transport, One shop, One post office, Two Pubs, One chemist, One garage and has not changed for years but land valuations go why.”

Jason

“Ours has doubled. So nope not happy.”

Janet

“It has doubled, hate to think what our rates will be.”

Peter

“103% increase not happy”

Tony

“Who asked for a land revaluation? I thought inflation was causing us to have less money in our pockets So following this logic, if land is being revalued, shouldn’t it be going DOWN?”

Angela

“Just wonder what is really going on? It’s all a bit bizarre for me.”

Gary

“Good news, I don’t think so – this allows SBRC to increase the rates for next financial year!”

Originally published as South Burnett Mayor Kathy Duff responds to fears of high land values