From July 1, 2017, councils throughout the State will be collecting the Emergency Services Property Levy on behalf of the government.

“There will be a considerable increase in the amount of rates paid by people but the vast majority of this will be because of the levy,” Goulburn Mulwaree Council general manager Warwick Bennett told the most recent meeting.

The government has imposed the fee to even out an “imbalance.” While everyone can access help from emergency services, like the SES, those who don’t have insured properties don’t pay for the privilege.  

The government is taking over the levy’s imposition from the insurance industry, bringing the practice in line with other states.

The amount will depend on several variables, including the property’s value, land classification and whether the owner qualifies for a concession. Those currently receiving rate concessions will continue to do so, the government says.

Mr Bennett said the State had received numerous public submissions on the change. A separate body has been established to ensure that the levy is removed from insurance policies from July 1.

“People should be asking very serious questions if they don’t receive reductions on their insurance premiums,” he said

“The reason for this is that a number of properties are not insured but now every property will pay toward the cost of emergency services.”

Before Christmas the council must provide a list of properties within its area to NSW Treasury.

The government is paying the council $33,550 to offset the cost of changing software to charge the fee.

Mayor Bob Kirk said the council would “have to do its bit” to communicate the changes to the community.

Cr Margaret O’Neill asked whether the council could approach the State Government to “kick the tin” for advertising.

“If you look out the window you might see pigs flying past,” Mr Bennett quipped.

“The State will only fund the cost of implementing the levy…

“We are still in negotiations with them about debt collection as well and we need to keep that discussion going. But in regard to advertising the change, I don’t think we’ll see too much being funded by the State Government.”

The council and the community would be kept informed as more details came to hand, he stated in his report.

Meantime, the government has set up a dedicated website with information at www.emergencyservicespropertylevy.nsw.gov.au