Geelong mayor, Surf Coast council urge Jacinta Allan to ditch new tax

Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj has written to Premier Jacinta Allan urging her to abandon a controversial new fire levy that he claims will cost the region north of $20m a year.

canva for fire levy story

Surf Coast Shire councillors have joined Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj in demanding the Premier abandon a controversial new tax that will allegedly cost the region’s ratepayers almost $25m extra a year.

On Tuesday, Mr Kontelj wrote to Jacinta Allan urging her to abandon the proposed Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund, which is set to replace the Fire Services Levy on June 1.

According to Geelong council, residents will now have to cough up $55m in 2025-26 — a drastic increase compared to the $36m paid last financial year.

On top of that, the state government’s coffers will be boosted an additional $5m by Surf Coast residents.

The extra money will go towards supporting the State Emergency Service (SES), Forest Fire Management Victoria, and the State Control Centre.

The Country Fire Authority (CFA) and Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) are also included in the fund.

Mr Kontelj said that it was an inappropriate time to slug locals with more expenses.

Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj. Picture: Supplied

“We advocate on behalf of our community for this tax to be abandoned, in recognition of its significant financial impact on residents and businesses,” he said.

“Our ratepayers cannot bear these additional taxes, especially at a time when cost of living has never been so high.”

Calculations conducted by Geelong council indicate primary producers will cop a $2800 bill (a $1700 increase); industrial ratepayers more than $1600 (a $500 increase); and residents $80 each.

However, a state government spokesman said that farmers would only pay $13.

Mr Kontelj implored others to protest the proposed changes.

“We encourage ratepayers to join our advocacy, contact their local MPs and share their views on this expanded tax.”

In a meeting on Tuesday night, Surf Coast councillors agreed to write to the Premier and key government ministers in opposition.

Surf Coast Shire mayor Mike Bodsworth. Picture: Alan Barber

They will argue for the levy to be scrapped; or, failing that, a guarantee that funds collected be invested directly back into the area.

Surf Coast mayor Mike Bodsworth said that the agricultural community would be hit hardest.

“The levy would mean increased costs across all property types, but the biggest impact would be on our farmers,” he said.

“It would place an unfair and substantial burden on primary production land owners at a time when they’re already under financial pressure as a result of the drought.”

Mr Bodsworth also pointed out the tax would place an unnecessary administrative burden on the council.

“Not only will this method place a heavy strain on Council resources, it will no doubt also be seen by many ratepayers as a Council fee, resulting in reputational damage.”

Originally published as Geelong mayor, Surf Coast council urge Jacinta Allan to ditch new tax