More than 19,000 Sunshine Coast homeowners have escaped a proposed increase of up to $124 in the State Government's annual Emergency Service Levy, thanks to strong advocacy from Sunshine Coast Council.
Council believed the levy increase was unjustified as there was no evidence of increased service delivery from the Queensland Fire Department for affected areas.
Homeowners in Caloundra South were facing a $124 levy increase, while those in Marcoola, Coolum and Peregian Springs area and at Peregian Beach in Noosa, were set to pay an extra $101.
A win for commonsense
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli welcomed the decision and said it was a win for fairness and commonsense.
"Division 1 Councillor Jenny Broderick, Division 8 Councillor Taylor Bunnag, Division 9 Councillor Maria Suarez and I felt the proposed increase, which was due to be implemented on July 1, was unjust," Mayor Natoli said.
"This would have had a large impact on our residents and businesses during this tough economic environment.
"We thank Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers Ann Leahy for listening to our concerns and reversing this decision.
"This is a great example of advocacy in action, fighting for our residents when costs cannot be justified."
Why Council advocated for home and business owners
Cr Suarez said some businesses in the Coolum industrial estate and shopping complexes were facing increases between $2,000 and $12,000, based on the gross floor area.
"This would have placed an unbearable burden on them," Cr Suarez said. "Some were facing the very real possibility of shutting their doors.
"We fought this original decision due to the lack of evidence that there were going to be material changes or an increase in service for these communities.
"There was no hard commitment that there would definitely be an increase in the hours of operation nor was there any commitment that more firefighters would be stationed at Coolum.
"Peregian Beach residents in Noosa Shire will also benefit from this decision to reverse the levy increase."
Cr Broderick, whose division includes Caloundra South, welcomed the decision the levy hike had been reversed.
"I know many residents in my area were deeply concerned," Cr Broderick said.
"The increase would have been included on the July 2025 Rate Notice issued by Council.
"They already contribute though the existing levy and this proposed increase would have added unnecessary financial strain at a time when many households are already feeling the pinch."
Who will be contacted by the Queensland Fire Department
Cr Bunnag said the reversal was great news for affected residents and businesses.
"This is a huge win for residents and businesses in our local community, pushing back against an unnecessary increase in this levy," Cr Bunnag said.
"Some households and businesses may have already received their advice from the Queensland Fire Department, outlining the increase, however those were sent before the decision was overturned.
"We've been advised that updated letters have been issued, confirming the levy increase will no longer proceed.
"If you live in Caloundra South, between Marcoola and Peregian Springs and at Peregian Beach, and received one of these letters, don't worry. A revised letter is on the way.
"If you have any concerns, I encourage you to contact the Queensland Fire Department directly."
