March 28, 2025
AgForce is urging landholders not to delay if they want to object to their new land valuations, or risk higher council rates or State land costs.
On March 27, the Valuer-General issued land valuations for 14 local government areas in Queensland, including the South Burnett and Toowoomba Regional Council areas.
The valuations reflect land values as at October 1, 2024 and are effective from June 30.
The rises in primary production valuations for the South Burnett were 40 per cent; and 42 per cent for Toowoomba.
AgForce CEO Michael Guerin said the time for landholders to speak up was now, with objections needing to be lodged by May 26, 2025.
“Unimproved values determine what council rates rural landholders pay and are also used to calculate leasehold rents, so it’s important the figures are right,” Mr Guerin said.
“In recent years, AgForce has assisted many members secure significant reductions in valuations, resulting in large savings, and once again we are ready to assist with our free workshops to help people assess their valuations and find out more about the objection process.
AgForce’s valuer John Moore said responsibility for ensuring values were correct lay with landowners, not local governments.
“Unimproved values are done by mass appraisal, meaning your property isn’t individually valued so errors can occur,” Mr Moore said.
“It’s important you object to your new valuation if you believe the unimproved value is too high, because it could result in large savings in rates or rent.”
- Landowners who disagree with their valuation and are able to provide supporting information can lodge their objection online
