Council Valuations Choice Would Save Ratepayer Money
Source: Victoria. Minister for Environment and Climate Change. Media Release
"Councils would save money and have greater flexibility in conducting municipal valuations under proposed amendments to the Valuation of Land Act, Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings announced. The amendments, which follow a review last year of rating authority valuations and discussion paper The Future Direction of Rating Authority Valuations in Victoria, would give councils the option to transfer their two-yearly municipal valuations responsibilities to the Valuer-General of Victoria.“With the amendments to the Act the Brumby Labor Government is taking action to address concerns raised by councils in the review that at times excessive red tape could cause cost inefficiencies,” Mr Jennings said.“Councils would be able to opt out of valuations and voluntarily transfer their valuation responsibilities on to the Valuer-General.“This would be a great outcome for councils because they would have the flexibility to decide what best meets their needs and make an informed decision on the best use of ratepayer funds at a time when working families are under pressure to cope with the Global Financial Crisis."