REMEMBER WHEN

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

SURFERS Paradise and Mermaid Beach had average land values of close to $1 million, the highest in Queensland, while Tugun experienced the largest land value jump in percentage terms during the past 12 months.

Skyrocketing State Government determined land values on the Gold Coast made it difficult for Mayor Ron Clarke to deliver on his promise of a rates freeze if he won the mayoral election because the council used the unimproved capital value on land to levy rates.

Vote counting continued to decide who will be mayor.

The average land value on the Gold Coast was $235,000, up an average of 15 per cent on 2007 and 19 per cent on 2006.

However, the averages were skewed by the massive prices at the top end of the Gold Coast property market.

The median price increase – a more accurate reflection of the rises – was 12 per cent. Mayoral aspirant Tom Tate said that his rival, Cr Clarke, had made the rates freeze promise knowing ‘full well that he couldn’t keep it’.

City planning chief Cr Ted Shepherd said a 15 per cent jump in the average UCV was a ‘substantial amount’ and Mr Clarke’s rates freeze pledge was ‘dangerous’.

“Does he mean a rates rise matching the Consumer Price Index or does he mean a zero rates rise?” said Mr Shepherd.

Mr Clarke said this year’s rates would be based on the previous UCV. He said the council would then have another 12 months to work out savings which would keep rates at the same level as this year.