State fire rules ‘to force a rates hike’

Kim Waters
NEW bushfire regulations will burn a hole in ratepayers’ hip pockets, according to Geelong councillors.
They have warned rates will have to rise to cover a fire levy in State Government’s Bushfires Royal Commission Report recommendations.
Cr Andrew Katos suggested City Hall should “break up” rates notices with the levy listed separately so residents would not blame council.
He was concerned about requirements for councils to develop “local plans” for communities at risk of bushfires and to compile and maintain a list of vulnerable residents.
He believed councils might not be “qualified” for the task.
A council spokesperson said City of Greater Geelong would raise the “funding shortfalls” with State Government.
Council should not have to foot the bill for costly bushfire prevention “activities”, the spokesperson said.
Cr Andy Richards said councillors would also write to the Government and Municipal Association of Victoria about “a number of issues” in the final report.
“In particular, we will express some concern that no funding has been provided to councils for all the required activities, such as the works associated with clearing roadsides.”
Cr Jan Farrell was “disappointed” with the report’s suggestion for bushfire shelters or “neighbourhood safe houses”.
“They should be referred to as a last-resort option, not as a safe house,” she said.
Cr Farrell feared residents in high-risk areas such as Ocean Grove and Breamlea would choose to use the shelters as a safer option than fleeing early.