Council has agreed to lodge submissions to the NSW Legislative Assembly and the NSW Treasury articulating its position on the NSW Rural Fire Service and the Emergency Services Levy to ensure the Northern Beaches community is heard.
Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said the Northern Beaches is at high risk of future disasters, so it is imperative its voice is heard by Government.
“As the area is predicted to be one of the most affected by natural disasters in the State, we need to ensure our community is protected. Council will continue to contribute to the discussions that will impact on our area and our community.
“Council highly values the critical work of our emergency services including the Northern Beaches District of the NSW Rural Fire Service, who we work closely with on the local Bush Fire Management Committee.”
In February the NSW Government announced an inquiry by the Legislative Assembly into the assets, premises and funding of the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS). The inquiry will consider whether the current arrangements between the RFS and councils are effective and fit for purpose. This will include considering the appropriate role of councils in providing emergency services and the sustainability of local government contributions to emergency service provision.
In April the NSW Government released a consultation paper on the reforming of the emergency services funding system exploring replacing the Emergency Services Levy (which is charged to councils and also on insurance premiums) with a levy charged to all property owners through Revenue NSW.
The latest research commissioned by Local Government NSW (LGNSW) shows that Northern Beaches Council paid the highest Emergency Services Levy in 2021/22 at $6.4 million ($62 per ratepayer), which is 28% more than the next highest Council (Central Coast Council at $5.0 million). Council’s Emergency Services Levy has increased to $9.3 million this financial year, equivalent to $90 per ratepayer.
“Council has previously voiced its concerns about cost shifting,” Mayor Heins said.
“We’ve written to the Premier, the NSW Treasurer and the NSW Minister for Local Government requesting that they urgently seek to address the costs through a combination of regulatory reform, budgetary provision and appropriate funding.
“While we appreciate the opportunity to have our say, this is another instance where we hope we will be listened to and Government acts to ensure we have a sustainable and fair funding system to support our important emergency services.”
Council has prepared submissions reiterating the necessity of a sustainable and fair funding system for emergency services considering the increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events and greater potential for significant bushfires in our area.
Note to Editor:
The submission closing dates for NSW councils are 10 May 2024 for the RFS inquiry and 22 May 2024 for the emergency services funding system.
For more information visit the NSW Government’s websites:
Emergency Services Funding System
Assets, premises and funding of the NSW Rural Fire Service