Changes in the State Government’s landfill levy, which will increase from $9 to $30 per tonne will have an adverse impact on Maroondah City Council’s budget and rates.

The Maroondah Journal has reported on the impact this levy will have for our local community:

Mayor Alex Makin said the timing of the new levy was of “serious concern”.

He confirmed the new levy would “likely be covered by a rise in overall municipal rates and charges” and said residents should be prepared an additional rate rise if the government was successful in increasing landfill levies.

Unfortunately the State Government did not provide consultation with the local government sector and the timing of this announcement has meant that councils have had to revise their budgets for the upcoming financial year.

“There had been speculation for quite some time that the government was looking at the landfill levy, so the fact they were looking wasn’t a surprise, but the timing certainly was.

“Why didn’t they provide that consultation with the community?”

The landfill levy, which is raised through the State Government, applies to waste that is deposited onto land at licensed waste facilities in Victoria. Since local government is responsible for waste management, councils will be faced with additional costs due to the increase in the levy.

“Maroondah already has excellent recycling rates, we’re one of the best in the state, so it’s unclear what benefits the community will have with this new levy.”

Maroondah has the second highest recycling rates within Victoria and while the purpose of the levy is to encouraging sustainable waste management, it is not clear what benefit the community will receive.

The Eastern Region Mayors and CEOs forum has written to the Premier seeking a commitment to reconsider the increase and to provide sufficient consultation with the community.