Unit of competency details

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a Unit of Competency

Performance criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised  text is used, further information is detailed in the Range Statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Maintain property-related information 

1.1 Correct record is identified and accessed.

1.2 Changes to record  including eligibility for pensioner concession, are completed accurately and within appropriate time frame.

1.3 Any duplicate records are detected and deleted.

1.4 New records, together with necessary associated links and data, are added within appropriate time frame.

1.5 Historical records  are maintained.

2 Maintain valuation data 

2.1 Values are reconciled to categories of rates and valuer general valuations.

2.2 Relevant acts  are considered in determining valuation used for rate calculation.

2.3 Subdivision plans are analysed to ensure new valuations are correctly allocated to new lots and cancelled valuations are deleted.

2.4 Revaluations are checked and processed and any inconsistencies  are queried.

2.5 Consolidations or amalgamations are checked and allocated according to plans and their associated values are reconciled.

3 Compile and maintain financial information 

3.1 Transactions are processed and reconciled  within the system and to the general/costing ledger.

3.2 End of year reconciliations are completed to demonstrate that all properties are properly assessed and accounted for.

3.3 Notional yield return is completed accurately and is in line with statutory requirements.

3.4 Internal income estimates from rates and charges for the following year are completed according to council requirements.

4 Ensure properties are correctly rated 

4.1 Available sources of property information  are regularly accessed and inconsistencies or possible changes to rating category or rateable status are noted.

4.2 Suspected inconsistencies or applicable changes are followed up  in accordance with council policies and within legislative requirements.

4.3 Properties entitled to rate concessions  are checked and those no longer eligible for concessions are noted and updated.

5 Prepare for land and environment court action as required 

5.1 Precedents are interpreted to enable appropriate recommendations to be made regarding the possibility of successful court action.

5.2 Information to support court action if required is prepared clearly, accurately and within appropriate time frame.

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

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

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