The Borough of Queenscliffe is the latest council to join the fight against the state government’s emergency services and volunteers fund (ESVF) levy.
During its Wednesday, June 25 meeting, the borough announced that it would oppose the ESVF, which will replace the fire service property levy from July 1.
Mayor Di Rule said the ESVF required council to act as a collection agent for the state government without sufficient compensation.
“They’re (ratepayers) the ones who are copping it, not the state government and the question remains of what this extra tax will go towards,” she said.
“The state government should do its own dirty work. We have more than enough to do, and they’re putting more than enough responsibility on local government.
“It’s not a levy; it’s a tax on ratepayers. It’s designed to support a broader range of emergency services. However, that’s questionable, and the main thing is that it is collected by local councils.
“The median house price in the borough is 1.5 million and that equates to 75 per cent who have formally paid $265 (through the original fire levy) but will now pay $395 which is a 50 per cent increase.”
The borough’s decision followed the lead of City of Greater Geelong and Surf Coast Shire councils to advocate for the state government to repeal or significantly amend the levy.
