Cr Mike Williams
Toowoomba Regional ratepayers will notice there is a levy – the Queensland Emergency & Fire Levy – included on their February rates notice which are being issued this week.
Councils across the State are required to collect the levy on behalf of the State Government.
Finance and Business Strategy chair Cr Mike Williams said this new State Government levy would be used to expand the State’s capacity to deal with natural disasters as well as fire and accidents.
“This levy, which takes effect from January 1, 2014, replaces the State urban fire levy and has been extended to include all properties in Queensland,” he said.
“Ratepayers previously not charged the urban fire levy will now be required to pay this levy.
“The cost of the levy varies depending on a complex calculation method used by the State Government based on property groups, classes, uses and structures.
“The levy will appear on each of your half-yearly rate notices and Council simply acts as the collection agency.
“Those ratepayers previously paying the State urban fire levy will notice an increase of about 6.5 per cent in the levy.
“The State Government pension rebate of 20% is available to eligible pensioners.
“The Rural Fire Equipment Levy will continue to be levied on all properties covered by the Rural Fire Service.
“This levy is used by local rural fire brigades to fund their activities within the TRC area.”
Details of the State Government Emergency Management Fire and Rescue Levy can be found online
