General News
17 March, 2026
Sharp rise in property valuations
A SHARP rise in land valuations across Mareeba Shire and the Tablelands will have ratepayers hoping their councils find a way to soften the blow when increases in rates are revealed in their next budget.
The latest figures released by the State’s Valuer-General last week show a steep rise in property valuations in many Tablelands towns.
While the total value of residential land for the TRC area increased by 26.3% since the last valuations in 2022, some localities have had an alarming rise, with Kairi showing an 84% increase, Peeramon 66%, Herberton 61.5%, and Malanda at 60%.
The overall increase for rural residential properties is 35.2%, while primary production properties shot up by 32.3%.
According to the Valuer-General’s report, residential markets across the Tablelands local government area “have generally experienced moderate to significant movement since the last revaluation”.
“Since the last revaluation issued there continues to be a solid demand for residential housing, underpinned by population growth, and perceived affordability in comparison to other provincial cities and capitals,” it stated.
“The investor market is still buoyant with near record residential rental vacancy rates.”
The report reveals that industrial land has lifted by 34.5% since the last valuations in 2022, while commercial land only shifted by 5% – much lower than the 32.6% in the previous period.
“Commercial land values in Atherton have remained steady. Slight variations in value have been experienced in most other towns and villages,” the report stated.
“Industrial land recorded significant increases in value, reflecting limited availability of industrial land stock and demand for larger industrial land lots.
“Multi-unit residential land recorded moderate increases (22.7%) in value, reflecting a similar trend to the residential markets within Tablelands Regional LGA.
“Pastoral land recorded moderate increases in value however arable land values have mainly plateaued resulting in a minor change overall.”
TRC has already forecast a 10% rate rise for 2026-27 in its three-year financial plan, but the final figure won’t be known until the budget is released.
“Consistent with legislation, Tablelands Regional Council does not reach decisions outside of statutory meetings. Rates will be considered as part of established practice in coming weeks as costs about service and infrastructure costs are determined, and recommendations are brought to a statutory meeting of council for a decision in June,” a spokesperson said.
“We can confirm that every year we adjust the cents in the dollar rate amount for each category to manage the impacts of significant property valuation changes.”
In the Mareeba Shire, the value of total property rose by 43% since 2021.
In the residential category, total property value in Mareeba rose by 24.3%, while Dimbulah recorded a 70.2% rise, Chillagoe had a 50.9% lift and Kuranda rose by 30.2%.
Overall, the value of rural residential properties rose by 39%, while primary production increased by 69.5% and industrial land by 23.9%.
According to the Valuer-General’s report, residential markets across the Mareeba Shire local government area “have generally experienced moderate to significant movement since the last revaluation”.
“Since the last revaluation issued there continues to be a solid demand for residential housing, underpinned by population growth, and perceived affordability compared to other provincial cities and capitals,” it stated.
“The investor market is still buoyant, with near record residential rental vacancy rates.
“Commercial land values in Mareeba Shire LGA have been relatively stable with slight variations in value experienced in most towns and villages.
“Industrial land recorded overall moderate increases in value, reflecting limited availability of industrial land stock and demand for larger industrial land lots.
“Multi-unit residential land recorded slight overall increase in value, while pastoral land recorded significant increases in value as has arable land values.”
Mareeba Shire issued a statement last week to calm ratepayers about upcoming rate rises in its 2026-27 budget.
“Land valuations are the basis the council must use to determine rates for residents,” a spokesperson said.
“However, a 40% increase in land value does not result in a 40% increase in rates. Based on its 10-year Long Term Financial Plan, council will be looking at an average 3% rate rise this year.
“Valuation increases will vary between properties and therefore some residents’ rates will vary, however council will make every effort to mitigate the impacts of valuation changes keeping rate increases as close to the average as possible.”
Individual property owners can appeal the latest valuation until 11 May. Go to www.qld.gov.au/landvaluation to find information about how to lodge an objection.
TRC
TOWN – % change in median value since 2022
Atherton – 36%
Barrine – 54.4%
Herberton – 61.5%
Kairi – 84.2%
Malanda – 60%
Millaa Millaa – 47.6%
Moomin – 71.4%
Mount Garnet – 9.9%
Peeramon – 66%
Ravenshoe – 31.3%
Tinaroo – 58.2%
Tolga – 35.6%
Walkamin – 24.7%
Yungaburra – 33.8%
Mareeba Shire
TOWN – % change in median value since 2021
Chillagoe – 50.9%
Dimbulah – 70.2%
Kuranda – 30.2%
Mareeba – 24.3%
