Scenic Rim Mayor John Brent has welcomed LNP Leader Campbell Newman’s pledge to repeal the State Government’s waste levy if the LNP wins government at the next Queensland election.
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| LNP Leader Campbell Newman. PHOTO/ CANDO QLD website. |
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Cr Brent said his attitude was a “refreshing change” by a state leader, calling the levy “another deceptive state government tax”.
“Campbell Newman as Brisbane’s Lord Mayor worked with me and other mayors to deliver waste initiatives to South East Queensland but the State Government chose to instead impose a new tax.
"This levy is another example of the state pushing more taxes onto local government and trying to hide the fact that it’s their tax.”
The Mayor said the Scenic Rim Regional Council has worked hard to build a strong local economy and encourage investment and growth.
“Increased taxes from other levels of government add to the pressure on families and businesses.”
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Scenic Rim Mayor John Brent |
Cr Brent said like water and infrastructure charges, the State has tried to stop Councils from referring to the waste levy as a “state government charge”.
“Not only are they making councils increase our charges to ratepayers, but they want us to take the blame. It’s dishonest.”
The Scenic Rim is projected to become Queensland’s fastest growing region by 2021 and Cr Brent said state and local government cooperation is vital to the region.
“Business drives growth and this levy was always about revenue-raising for the state while making local governments the scapegoat. We congratulate Campbell Newman for recognising this and acting,” he said.