Various Appellants v Chief Executive, Department of Natural Resources

The case involves appeals against the unimproved valuations conducted by the Chief Executive of the Department of Natural Resources for various local government areas, including Aramac, Barcaldine, and Ilfracombe. The appellants challenge the accuracy and relativity of the valuations as of 1 October 1998, arguing that the objections raised in the 1996 valuation process were not properly considered. The central issue is whether the unimproved valuations reflect the correct relativity between the various properties and if the valuation increases were justified. The court found that while the general evidence provided by the Department's valuers supported the unimproved valuations, there was insufficient evidence to support the appellants' claims of incorrect relativity. The court dismissed the appeals, affirming the valuations set by the Chief Executive. However, in the specific case of JE Back's properties, the appeal was allowed, and the unimproved value was reduced to $450,000 as of 1 October 1998.