LANDHOLDERS are being told to object to new land valuations to avoid paying unnecessary increases in council rates and leasehold rents than they should.
AgForce Southern Inland Queensland regional president Robyn Bryant said valuation increases in the Maranoa region were among the highest in the state.
Many properties were facing increases of more than 70 per cent and some as much as 100pc, she said.
"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," Mrs Bryant said.
"While other shires appear to generally reflect reasonable valuations, there are multiple inconsistencies in the increases in the Maranoa shire and AgForce is concerned the valuations are not reflective of the current market.
"AgForce is strongly encouraging landholders in the Maranoa shire to put in an objection to clearly demonstrate the new valuations are not acceptable and to push the State Valuation Service into coming up with a solution."
While other shires appear to generally reflect reasonable valuations, there are multiple inconsistencies in the increases in the Maranoa shire.
- Robyn Bryant, AgForce
Mrs Bryant said landholders had less than a month to lodge an objection, with the deadline 6 May.
"We are also concerned that the mapping of land types used by the State Valuation Service may not accurately reflect what is present on-ground and may have contributed to the valuation problems.
AgForce has made independent valuer John Moore available for free consultations to assist in the objection process.
"In the Balonne Shire last year, landholders who were assisted by AgForce saw their valuations decrease by up to 15pc so it is well worth your while lodging an objection,” Mrs Bryant said.
“There are significant savings in correcting a value that is too high."
Landholders can contact AgForce on 07 3236 3100 book a consultation with independent valuer John Moore.
CLICK HERE to access the State Valuation Service’s objections process.