Another hip-pocket slug to fund flood levy plan

FAMILIES look set to be slugged again to help fund a $1 billion plan to fund flood-proofing projects across the state.

The State Government wants Queenslanders to fund a new flood levy scheme. Picture: Brenda Strong

FAMILIES look set to be slugged again to help fund a $1 billion plan to fund flood-proofing projects across the state.

The levy is expected to be unveiled in next month's State Budget.

The plan is to raise $1 billion over the next four to five years through an extra charge on household bills such as electricity, rates or water.

However, the State Government would not say what the projects are, or where the money will be spent.

The announcement comes on the back of an increase of $54 for bulk water costs in south-east Queensland, a $300 annual increase to electricity bills and the federal government's decision to raise the Medicare levy from next year to fund the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor Steve Jones was scathing of the proposed levy.

"The first I heard about it was yesterday morning. That goes to show how much thought has gone into it," Cr Jones said.

"If they are going to do this, they need to tell us how it is going to be distributed and where it will be distributed.

"They need to consult affected communities to ensure the money is spent in the right places," he said.

Cr Jones said Lockyer Valley residents had been paying a flood levy through their rates since 2011.

"We have had between $300 and $400 million worth of damage to infrastructure in two floods," he said.

"I am concerned for Lockyer Valley residents. I hope they are not disadvantaged further under this scheme."

Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Paul Antonio said he would like to see further details on the levy.

"I do not know how much more money can be taken out of people's pockets," Cr Antonio said.

"People are being taxed to their limits and it is reaching capacity.

"Infrastructure does cost money. But, the levy is not set in stone yet," he said.

Member for Toowoomba North Trevor Watts, who was only made aware of the proposed levy when contacted yesterday by The Chronicle, said the State Government had been looking at numerous ways it could help fund flood-proofing projects.

"There is no doubt the cost of making Queensland disaster resilient is going to be significant," Mr Watts said.

"No decision has been made yet in relation to the levy."

The State Government vowed to reduce the cost of living for families in the days after winning the election last year.

Originally published as Another hip-pocket slug to fund flood levy plan