The Group engages in a range of activities with the key aims of furthering the interests of valuers involved in the rating and taxing field, improving practises in rating generally and rating valuations in particular. The Group also is strongly focused on ensuring that ratepayers’ interests are protected and equity in the rating system is maximised.

A range of functions are hosted by the group throughout the year ranging from specialist valuations presentations through to informal social get togethers (see the Events page).

Some of the Groups achievements in recent years include:

• Development of valuation standards for specialist properties (inconjunction with VGV)
• Market data provision for specialist and high value properties

Current Group projects include:

• Proposals for reform of VCAT appeal processes

History

1931 – Formation of The Victorian Institute of Municipal Valuers

The establishment of the group was driven by the increasing significance of municipal rates and the growing complexity of the legislative controls applying to rating valuations.

1958 – Merger with the Commonwealth Institute of Valuers

The Commonwealth Institute of Valuers was formed at around the same time as the VIMV and many members held dual memberships. Following an approach by the CIV is was agreed that the VIMV would merge with CIV with VIMV operating as a committee of that organisation.

1969 – First publication of the Municipal Valuers Journal

The Journal has long been a source of important guidance and information for rating valuers and continues to be so.

1996 – Council Amalgamations

Following decades of debate Victorian Councils went through an amalgamation process in 1996. With the number of municipalities being reduced from 210 to 78. The amalgamation process had a significant impact on the Group and its members with many staff valuers leaving the rating sector.

1997/8 – Competitive Tendering of Rating Valuation Services

1998 Saw the introduction of compulsory market testing of local government functions. As a Council service which had existing direct competition from the private sector, rating valuations was often one of the first areas to be put to tender. Many in-house valuers lost their positions or elected to join private sector providers. Thus began a period of significant change for the group as an increasing proportion of the membership was employed in the private sector.

1999 – Introduction of Valuation Best Practice

Following a number of studies into the potential computerisation of rating valuations “Valuations Best Practice” was introduced along with various amendments to the Local Government Act. MGV members pioneered the delivery of computerised mass valuations in Australia and embraced the radical transformation of valuations from the traditional manual, field card based approach to the use of relational databases and the development of sophisticated computer models.