‘Utter rubbish’: Gympie ratepayers could face new $88 bin tax
A $1.89 million hole is about to be blown in Gympie Regional Council’s coffers thanks to a looming State Government change of heart that will most likely hit ratepayers’ right where it hurts.
Gympie
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Gympie ratepayers face being forced to cover the cost of the State Government’s waste levy amid revelations the State has not budgeted to cover the cost to councils after 2022.
The Queensland Government imposed a $70 levy from July 1, 2019, for 39 councils including Gympie, to deter waste trucks coming to Queensland from interstate to avoid fees in NSW and Victoria.
It promised at the time households would not feel the cost themselves thanks to advanced payments to the affected councils.
But it was revealed on Wednesday night the State Government’s 2021-22 budget did not include future advance payments to stop the levy costs being passed on to ratepayers.
The decision has sparked outrage among Queensland council and the LNP opposition, with Gympie MP Tony Perrett saying it will force Gympie Regional Council to play “debt collector” for the State.
Gympie Regional Council was contacted for comment; communications manager Sharan Rowley said the matter was being looked into and a comment would be made on Friday.
“This cost on households is utter rubbish,” Mr Perrett said.
“Families can’t afford another tax.
“Gympie residents shouldn’t have to foot the bill so the State Government can say it is looking after the environment.
“In 2018 the Premier said the waste tax wouldn’t impact Queenslanders.
“We now know that is clearly not the case.”
An $1.89 million hole would be blown in the council’s coffers without the advances.
A Environment and Sciences Department spokesman told Nine Entertainment a legislative review was always planned for 2021.
Local Government Association of Queensland CEO Greg Hallam denied this was correct, saying no document carrying such an agreement exists.
Opposition spokeswoman for local government Ann Leahy took the State Government to task Thursday, calling the change “utter rubbish”.
“The State Government had told Queenslanders the waste levy would not impact households in yet another broken promise,” Ms Leahy said.
“The tax will be added to household rates notices with local councils forced to act as debt collectors for the State Government.
“Families can’t afford another tax.”
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Originally published as ‘Utter rubbish’: Gympie ratepayers could face new $88 bin tax
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