Some Bunya homeowners are seeking answers after land valuations for their suburb rose substantially this year.

The 29.9 per cent rise in median land values, issued by the Department of Natural Resources and Mines (DERM) last month, was the second highest increase in the Moreton Bay region behind Mt Pleasant, which was up 47.7 per cent.

Bunya Residents Association President Carolyn Hohnke believes land sales in the new Windarra Estate housing development has sent land values in Bunya skywards.

However, she believes the land valuation system is flawed, adding: “I don’t think there’s any logic to the valuation.”

Mrs Hohnke said her Mailman’s Track property didn’t have town water, transport amenities or street lighting but was being lumped in with the value for land in new housing developments.

“There’s lots of little things that you don’t have, that when you live closer to the suburbs you do get it,” she said.

“Most of us moved here for the peace and quiet and don’t wish to have all that infrastructure, but we don’t think our land should be valued to say that we do have it.”

DERM Valuer-General Neil Bray said land valuations were based on “sales of vacant or lightly improved properties” sold in the 12 months to 1 October 2011.

“Valuers from the department consid-ered sales evidence in Bunya and increased property values to reflect market value of vacant land in the area,” he said.

“Adjustments are made between sales in new areas with town water and underground power, as compared to older established areas without these amenities. 

Bunya Residents Association President Carolyn Hohnke, far right, and fellow Bunya locals have seen land valuations for the suburb rise by almost 30 per cent.

“Land owners should consider what their land would be worth if offered for sale in a vacant state at the date of valuation.”

While Moreton Bay councillor Brian Battersby (Division 10) agrees there could be inequities in land values across Bunya, he still believes it is best for the State Government to undertake the valuations “because it’s an independent process away from the council”.

He said while DERM’s land valuations were used to determine rates, the rates will be calculated in conjunction with the release of council’s budget, due mid-year.

“It doesn’t necessarily mean that if you’ve had a 20 or 30 or 50 or 100 per cent rise in valuations that you get the same rise in your rates. That doesn’t compute,” he said.

“We have processes in place to soften any sharp spikes.”

Cr Battersby said land in Bunya had become a valuable commodity.

“There’s two things that people like; one’s a sea change and the other is tree change,” he said.

“What’s becoming evident is properties that are in a significant area surrounded by trees have a higher value that people are prepared to pay.

“Back in 2005 properties in Bunya went up 152 per cent due to the change in the value of the land and because the Bunya area is very sought after.”

Residents have until 28 May to lodge an objection about the valuation of their land to the Department of Natural Resources and Mines. Phone 1300 664 217.