Ratepayers with concerns regarding the accuracy of municipal valuations need to act quickly to ensure that a valid objection is lodged within the two-month limit.
Victorian Councils passed their 2008/09 budgets between June and August 2008. This year, Councils gather their main source of revenue, Council rates imposed on property owners and occupiers, on new municipal valuations made as at 1 January 2008. These valuations will be used also for the 2009 – 2010 financial year.
Most Councils’ rates notices have been sent to property owners or occupiers in late July or August 2008. The new municipal valuation amounts for Capital Improved Value, Site Value and Net Annual Value should be shown on each rates notice. If the valuations are incorrect, an objection can be made within two months of the ratepayer being given the rates notice.
In addition to the dollar values stated on the notice, a wide range of other matters can also be challenged, for example incorrect land dimensions.
While municipal valuations usually take land use zoning into account, special difficulties arise where a heritage overlay or Heritage Victoria listing applies – the Valuation of Land Act 1960 has unique provisions for these types of properties, with sometimes unusual results: Australian Postal Commission v Melbourne City Council [2005] VSCA 295.
For further information, contact:
Tel: 03-9629 5551
Email: dbrahe@ghb.com.au
Tel: 03-9629 5551
Email: agunter@ghb.com.au