LGAQ Conference accepts Council push to change new levy charges

 

A motion put forward by Bundaberg Regional Council to change the way in which a new emergency levy will be charged has been accepted at the Local Government Association Queensland (LGAQ) Conference in Cairns.

Mayor, Cr Mal Forman said Council resolved at its Ordinary Meeting on August 13 to submit the motion to the LGAQ.

“The motion we put forward today sought to change the way the Emergency Management Fire and Rescue Levy will be collected to ensure a fairer system for all Queensland landowners,” Cr Forman said.

“We believe landowners should be charged the new levy per rateable property instead of per parcel of land.

“Council has also requested the levy be renamed to ‘Emergency Management Levy’ to reduce confusion surrounding the Rural Fire Levy, which is collected separately.”

Cr Forman, who has been attending the conference in Cairns this week, said the motion was accepted by the LGAQ who will now approach the State Government to seek to have the Fire and Rescue Services Act 1990 legislation amended.

“The levy has the potential to negatively impact a farmer who might own several parcels of land that are not adjoining but are included as one rateable property. Landowners in this situation only receive one Council rate notice for the entire property,” he said.

“As it currently stands, the levy will charge them for each parcel of land that comprises the property that is not adjoining. For example, if a farmer owns ten parcels of land they will have to pay the levy ten times. We don’t think that’s a fair system and will have a huge impact on the livelihoods of those in the Bundaberg Region and right across Queensland.”

The levy is set to take effect as of January 1, 2014 and will be collected by all Queensland Council’s as a charge on the rate notice on behalf of the State Government.

For more information visit Bundaberg Regional Council