Assessor Resource

LGAGOVA409A
Maintain property rates and records

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for competent workplace performance in councils of all sizes. Knowledge of the legislation and regulations within which councils must operate is essential. The unique nature of councils, as a tier of government directed by elected members and reflecting the needs of local communities, must be appropriately reflected.

This unit covers the specific requirements of maintaining an accurate and effective property database.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.




Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

Overview of assessment requirements

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit will be able to perform the outcomes described in the Elements to the required performance level detailed in the Performance Criteria. The knowledge and skill requirements described in the Range Statement must also be demonstrated. For example, knowledge of the legislative framework and safe work practices that underpin the performance of the unit are also required to be demonstrated.

Critical aspects of evidence to be considered

Maintenance of property-related information and valuation data.

Completion of required financial records and reports.

Demonstrated understanding of relevant requirements of local government legislation and acts relating to valuation of land.

Understanding of land and environment court process.

Context of assessment

On the job or in a simulated workplace environment.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:

observation of the learner performing a range of workplace tasks over sufficient time to demonstrate handling of a range of contingencies

written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding

completion of workplace documentation

third-party reports from experienced practitioners

completion of self-paced learning materials including personal reflection and feedback from trainer, coach or supervisor

Evidence required for demonstration of consistent performance

Evidence will need to be gathered across a range of variables over a period of time including end of financial year.

Resource implications

Access to a workplace or simulated case study that provides the following resources:

copies of relevant legislation

council policies and procedures

appropriate computer software and records management systems

financial systems

accounting materials


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit

Required Skills

qualitative and quantitative research

locating and interpreting legal precedents

accurate record keeping

attention to detail

report writing

written communication

Required Knowledge

detailed knowledge of sections of local government legislation relating to rating and exemptions from rating

relevant sections of acts relating to valuation of land

council policy and procedures regarding checking appropriateness of rating categories

law of torts relating to trespass and harassment

clerical procedures

basic accounting principles

court representation, land and environment court procedures and processes

The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Changes to record may include:

ownership

address for service of notice

entitlements of owner (pension rebate or other)

property description

land area

categorisations

wards

dimensions

land use

valuations

side of street

zoning

conditions

services

notices

flood details

alternate addresses

Historical records may include:

properties cancelled due to subdivisions

Relevant acts may relate to:

valuation of land

forestry

Indigenous land rights (native title)

national parks and wildlife.

Inconsistencies may include:

no longer farm land

not used for purpose claimed.

Journals may include:

refunds for overpayments

abandonments

changes resulting from errors or court judgements

rebates

pensioner discounts

supplementary levies

interest

postponements

discounts and concessions (other than pensioners)

legal costs

ex gratia rates

dishonoured cheques

Reconciliation of rates income may include:

by category

rate type

property numbers

valuations at end of year and beginning of year and as required by internal and external auditors

Sources of information may include:

property owners

local newspaper advertisements

council business papers

personal observation

the public

land titles office

valuer general's department

property inspections

state, federal and other local government bodies

electronic or hard copy white and yellow pages

electoral rolls

government gazettes

publications

circulars

Follow up may involve:

property inspection

photographs

research

accessing further information

Rate concessions may include:

postponed rates

section allowances

heritage allowances

mixed development apportionment factors and capital contributions

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Correct record is identified and accessed. 
Changes to record including eligibility for pensioner concession, are completed accurately and within appropriate time frame. 
Any duplicate records are detected and deleted. 
New records, together with necessary associated links and data, are added within appropriate time frame. 
Historical records are maintained. 
Values are reconciled to categories of rates and valuer general valuations. 
Relevant acts are considered in determining valuation used for rate calculation. 
Subdivision plans are analysed to ensure new valuations are correctly allocated to new lots and cancelled valuations are deleted. 
Revaluations are checked and processed and any inconsistencies are queried. 
Consolidations or amalgamations are checked and allocated according to plans and their associated values are reconciled. 
Transactions are processed and reconciled within the system and to the general/costing ledger. 
End of year reconciliations are completed to demonstrate that all properties are properly assessed and accounted for. 
Notional yield return is completed accurately and is in line with statutory requirements. 
Internal income estimates from rates and charges for the following year are completed according to council requirements. 
Available sources of property information are regularly accessed and inconsistencies or possible changes to rating category or rateable status are noted. 
Suspected inconsistencies or applicable changes are followed up in accordance with council policies and within legislative requirements. 
Properties entitled to rate concessions are checked and those no longer eligible for concessions are noted and updated. 
Precedents are interpreted to enable appropriate recommendations to be made regarding the possibility of successful court action. 
Information to support court action if required is prepared clearly, accurately and within appropriate time frame. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

LGAGOVA409A - Maintain property rates and records
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

LGAGOVA409A - Maintain property rates and records

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: