In this guide:

1. About statutory land valuations in Queensland
2. What is considered when valuing land
3. Impact of floods and other adverse events
4. Rural land valuations
5. Non-rural land valuations
6. Valuation notices
7. How land valuations are used
8. Why your neighbour's valuation may be different to yours
9. If you disagree with your valuation

Adverse natural events are regular occurrences in parts of Queensland. When reviewing a valuation due to an adverse natural event, we consider a range of issues, including: 

• the use of the land
• whether this type of event has occurred previously and is already reflected in the valuation
• physical damage to the land
• the level, extent and duration of any flood inundation
• the date when the damage or loss of value to the land occurred
• the risk or market perception of the event occurring again
• the length of time before the land can be brought back into full production
• the short- and long-term impacts of the event, including the impact
  • for cropping and other primary industries
  • on infrastructure
• evidence including
  • results of physical inspections of the land
  • current and historic records, aerial photography, satellite imagery and mapping
  • sales evidence of similarly affected lands
  • research papers and market commentary.

Damage to built structures such as houses, buildings and fences is not considered as the value of these improvements is not included in the land valuation.

Because the full impact of adverse natural causes on the market value of land may not be evident for some time after the event, we continue to monitor market movements and adjust valuations accordingly.

What should I do if my land has suffered permanent damage?

If your land has suffered permanent damage as a result of an adverse natural event, you may either:

• lodge an objection within 60 days of the date of issue, if you received an annual valuation notice this year
  or
• apply for a change in valuation within 6 months of the damage occurring by writing to the Valuer-General.

Examples of permanent damage in agricultural areas include a loss in the arable area of a farm, permanent silting of a watercourse or loss of topsoil; in urban areas, an example of permanent damage would be the loss of land from a flooding river or a loss of development potential.

In either case, you should include details of the damage and supporting information such as photographs and diagrams.

You may lodge an objection either in writing or online.

Post your written objection/application to the Valuer-General at the address at the top of your valuation notice; you can also send or take it to your nearest business centre.