Notice of Objection Against Categorisation
If you think your property has been placed in the wrong rating category, you can ask Council to review it by lodging a formal objection.
You can only object if you believe your property should be in a different rating category.
How to Object
Complete the Notice of Objection against Categorisation form and send it to the Chief Executive Officer, Southern Downs Regional Council.
Your objection must:
- be lodged within 30 days of the date on your rates notice, unless Council gives you more time
- be in writing and addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, Southern Downs Regional Council, PO Box 26, Warwick Qld 4370
- say which rating category you think your property should be in
- explain why you believe your property belongs in that category.
Can I Change to a Primary Production Category?
If you want to move from a non-primary production category, such as residential, to a primary production category, such as agriculture and farming, you will first need to contact the Department of Resources to register as a Primary Producer.
If approved, the Department of Resources will issue a primary producer concessional valuation for your property.
Your property must have this valuation to be eligible for a Primary Production rating category.
To find out more, visit the Rural land applications and farming concessions page on the Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development website.
What Happens Next?
The Chief Executive Officer will consider your objection and make a decision within 60 days.
Council may:
- change your property to the category you requested
- place your property in another category, or
- decide not to allow the objection.
If you are not satisfied with the decision, you can appeal to the Land Court. You must lodge your appeal within 42 days of receiving the decision.
A Few Things to Know
- Lodging an objection does not pause your rates.
- You will still need to pay your rates while your objection is being considered.
- You can only object to the category your property has been placed in.
- You cannot object to the amount of rates you have been charged through this process.
- If your property is moved to a different rating category, Council will adjust your rates accordingly.
Ready to Lodge?
Lodging is easy!
- Download the Notice of Objection against Categorisation form (PDF 470.4KB)
- Lodge with Council by:
- Email: mail@sdrc.qld.gov.au
- Mail: Chief Executive Officer, Southern Downs Regional Council, PO Box 26, Warwick Qld 4370
- In person at Warwick (64 Fitzroy Street, Warwick) or Stanthorpe (61 Marsh Street, Stanthorpe)
Need help? Contact Council on 1300 697 372 or visit sdrc.qld.gov.au.