Queensland’s 2026 Land Valuations: A Guide for Landowners

April 21, 2026

On 11 March 2026, the Queensland Valuer-General issued new statutory land valuations for 15 Local Government Areas (LGAs). These valuations will have significant financial implications for affected landowners, forming the basis for council rates and state land tax calculations from mid-2026. If you have not yet received your latest valuation, you can access it using the Find your annual valuation online search available on the Land Valuations website.

The new valuations reflect the property market as at 1 October 2025 and will become effective on 30 June 2026. Landowners who disagree with their new valuation have a strict 60-day window to lodge a formal objection.

Affected regions and key value changes
The 2026 valuation program covers the following 15 LGAs:

• Burdekin
• Douglas
• Etheridge
• Gladstone
• Gold Coast
• Hinchinbrook
• Ipswich
• Lockyer Valley
• Mareeba
• Noosa
• North Burnett
• Redland
• Sunshine Coast
• Tablelands
• Western Downs

Consistent with market trends leading up to the 1 October 2025 valuation date, the primary production sector has seen some of the most significant increases. Notable rises in average primary production values include:

• North Burnett: 84.2%
• Mareeba: 69.5%
• Lockyer Valley: 41.7%
• Burdekin: 37.2%

These substantial increases will directly translate into higher liabilities for council rates and, where applicable, state land tax and rent. It is crucial for all affected landowners to scrutinise their valuation notice immediately.

The objection process: a strict deadline applies
Landowners who wish to contest their valuation must lodge an objection with the Valuer-General by Monday, 11 May 2026.

Under the Land Valuation Act 2010 (Qld), an objection must be “properly made” to be considered. This requires the landowner to provide specific grounds and supporting evidence. Broad or unsubstantiated claims will likely be rejected, and the opportunity to challenge the valuation may be lost.

Acceptable grounds for objection
The Valuer-General will consider objections based on evidence that the valuation is incorrect. Acceptable grounds include:

1. Sales evidence: Comparable property sales data from the period around 1 October 2025 that supports a different valuation.
2. Physical characteristics: Details about the land’s physical attributes, constraints, or condition that may negatively affect its value (e.g., soil quality, topography, flooding, or access issues).
3. Legal constraints: Other matters that impact the land’s use or value, such as zoning restrictions or environmental orders.

Unacceptable grounds for objection
It is important to note that certain arguments will not be considered valid grounds for objection. These include:

1. generalised statements of disagreement with the valuation increase;
2. the affordability of council rates or land tax;
3. comparisons to general market reports or previous valuation notices;
4. claims that are not supported by specific evidence.

Strategic steps for landowners

1. Review your notice immediately: Do not wait for your next rates notice. Assess your 2026 valuation as soon as you receive it.
2. Gather evidence: Collate any relevant information you have that supports a lower valuation. This may include comparable sales, expert reports (e.g., agronomy or hydrology), photographs of the property, or records detailing constraints on use.
3. Assess your position: Compare your property’s attributes against those of other properties in your area, particularly those that have recently sold.
4. Seek professional advice: The objection process is technical and time sensitive. Seeking professional advice early can help determine whether you have valid grounds for an objection and ensure it is prepared correctly and supported by strong evidence.

How we can assist
Our team has extensive experience in advising landowners on statutory valuation matters.  We can assist you by:

1. reviewing your 2026 land valuation;
2. advising on the merits of a potential objection; and
3. assisting in the preparation of a properly made objection with compelling supporting evidence.

If you have questions regarding your land valuation, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our rural property team.