Beachside councils including Frankston, Hobsons Bay, Kingston and Port Phillip have sounded the alarm, while others along the west coast and Gippsland, including Bass Coast, Geelong, Mornington Peninsula and Wyndham are already being asked to contribute additional funding to fill Labor's gap.
Labor's funding cuts to Lifesaving Saving Victoria (LSV) mean local councils are being asked to cover the shortfall. If they cannot, many popular beaches may see reduced paid lifeguard patrols this summer - a serious concern given the tragic number of drownings along our coastline.
The Municipal Association of Victoria has warned: "...any proposal to reduce water safety, water rescue, or drowning-prevention services ahead of summer is deeply concerning for local communities."
Shadow Treasurer and Member for Brighton, James Newbury, said: "Labor is collecting a great big new $3 billion new emergency services tax but is still cutting services like lifesaving patrols. Only Premier Allan could find a way to take more money from Victorians while delivering less."
Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Emergency Services Minister Danny O'Brien said volunteer lifeguards do a wonderful job and are augmented by the paid service, now at threat due to Labor cuts.
"Premier Allan promised all the $3 billion collected would go to emergency services. That's simply not happening and Victorians are paying the price for Labor's financial mismanagement."
"Victorians should not have to pay more for vital services. The Liberals and Nationals will scrap Labor's emergency services levy and ensure lifesaving patrols and other essential services are funded by reducing financial waste and managing Victorians' money responsibly."
