Central Highlands’ ratepayers have received land valuation notices quickly followed by rates notices sparking a number of questions.
The current rates notice is actually based on the valuations received in the previous financial year with valuation that came into effect from 30 June 2015.
The Queensland Government State Valuation Service has just released its annual statutory land valuations for Queensland, which come into effect from the 30 June 2016 and will be used to guide the rates notices council issues in the second half of this year.
The water consumption charges on the current rates notice are for the period from 01 June 2015 to 30 November 2015 and are calculated from the usage rates contained in the current 2015-16 Budget.
Calculating rates is a complex process and often misunderstood. Which is why the Local Government Association of Queensland recently reminded people that there is little relationship between rate increases and changes in the value of property.
A sophisticated formula is used to determine rates, which moved in is linked to the cost of providing new services and functions and maintaining and improving existing services throughout the region.
Every council tries to minimise rate rises, while ensuring that the community’s expectations of standards of service are met.
A fact sheet is available at www.centralhighlands.qld.gov.au that explains rates and valuations in more detail.
This illustration demonstrates the value for your rating dollar.