Despite years of drought and once-in-a-generation flooding, fundamental industry positives and consistent land sales have seen rural land valuations in north west Queensland increase significantly.
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Notices to landowners in the Burke, Cloncurry, Flinders, McKinlay, Richmond and Winton shires are among 14,879 updated valuation letters issued this week throughout rural Queensland.
The largest valuation increases will be felt by landholders in the Winton shire, who will have to absorb the impact of a 55.3 per cent rise.
Urban values remain static, meaning the overall increase is 52.1pc in the shire.
Rural land values have risen by 35.9pc in the Richmond shire, by 35.1pc in the Flinders shire, and by 32.9pc in the McKinlay shire.
In the Burke shire there has been a 31.5pc rise, in Mount Isa City the rise is 31.8pc, and in Cloncurry the increase is 29.3pc.
In Cloncurry, an over-supply of housing through an asset disposal plan has contributed to a 58.3pc reduction in residential values and an overall decrease in valuations of 10.6pc since the last valuation in 2016.
According to Queensland's Valuer-General Neil Bray, primary production markets in the north west have increased significantly in value over the six year period since most previous valuations were undertaken, despite the drought and rain event impacts.
"Areas of the (Winton) shire were subject to the fringe of the significant rain event that caused major flooding to northern local government areas," he said.
"The impact in Winton was less severe and while there were some stock losses, the event was generally beneficial."
In addition, a full market-based review of rural valuations was undertaken with the Winton shire to improve the consistency of land valuations across different rural locations.
State Valuation Service area manager David Hobbs said year-on-year market surveys hadn't supplied a volume of sales with which to review values in the Winton shire, but the Valuer-General didn't want to leave revaluations any longer.
"It's been a slow burn," he said. "The valuations are part market catch-up as well as property price increases in the last 12 months."
When compared to prices paid in other parts of the state, the north western Mitchell grass downs are being increasingly seen as an affordable option.
Lodging objections
Valuations are used to determine land tax, the rental price for leased state land and by local councils to help determine rates.
Mr Bray said landowners who believed their valuation was incorrect, and could provide supporting information, should lodge their objection online or at the address shown at the top of their valuation notice by May 5.
For landowners without internet access, an objection kit that includes a step-by-step guide can be sent out by phoning 1300 664 217.
Landowners can access the latest valuation data using the Find your annual valuation online search available on the Land Valuations website.
Queensland Globe also gives landowners access to more detailed valuation information allowing users to search for a property or pan the map to areas of interest and zoom down to individual property level.
A rural sales map for larger rural shires is also available online and at selected locations to assist landowners - allowing landowners to compare their valuations with others in their area.
Hard copies of the valuation list can be viewed at Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy business centres and local government offices during normal business hours until June 2.
Sally Gall
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
