Question by Mr Ryan to Mr Brumby

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Insurance: fire services levy

Mr RYAN (Leader of The Nationals) — My question is to the Premier.
I refer to comments by the Premier in the house on 5 April this year in response to the opposition’s request that the fire services levy be referred to the Henry review of Australia’s tax system, when the Premier said:

In relation to the Henry review, as I have said, it —
that is, the fire services levy —

is not a tax, so it would not be referred.

I further refer to a letter dated 13 June 2009 directed to me by Rob Heferen, the head of the secretariat of the Henry review, which states:

I can assure you that the panel is reviewing, along with other taxes and transfers, the fire services levy imposed on insurance companies.

And I ask: will the Premier now put aside his personal prejudice and ensure that Victoria cooperates fully with the Henry review in its investigation of the fire services levy — this unfair and inequitable tax?

Mr BRUMBY (Premier) —
I think it is clear from the correspondence the honourable member has, which I have not obviously sighted, that the Henry review has accepted submissions in relation to this matter and, since submissions have been made, it will consider the matter. I will reiterate the comments that I have made previously, but I will not go into detail with them again, of course. It has always been the case and a longstanding tradition and precedent under successive governments that the insurance industry makes a contribution to the cost of fire protection in our state, and the best way of doing that is through a risk-based levy. Since insurance companies are in the business of best understanding risk, it is best that they set, across insurance policies, that levy rather than government doing it. That has always been the case.

Having said that, I have made it quite clear that in relation to the recent bushfires in our state and the issue of lack of insurance or underinsurance it is the government’s clear intention to lift aggregate levels of insurance cover across the community. It is a matter on which the state Treasurer, Mr Lenders, is currently focused, and we will have further discussion of options and considerations in relation to this matter in the near future.

To read the full story click on the TITLE above, go to page 44.
Your comments welcome on both the question and the answer.
It looks like we will need to wait for the Henry review or Mr Lender to focus his attention on this matter before we move forward with this unfair way of funding the fire services.

a word from Mr DELAHUNTY (Lowan) on the FSL

Insurance: fire services levy
Mr DELAHUNTY (Lowan) -- The Brumby government must change the way it collects funds by using the fire service levy (FSL) to pay the costs of running the Country Fire Authority, the Metropolitan Fire Brigade and the State Emergency Service.
As of January next, the FSL will increase from 58 per cent to 63 (NOW 68%and rising) per cent. Only four years ago it was 40 per cent. This means government taxes will increase insurance premiums by about 112 per cent. Next year a commercial building in country Victoria, for example, will pay a $1000 insurance premium, a terrorism levy of $20, a fire services levy of $642.85, GST of $166.33, and stamp duty -- set at 10 per cent -- of $182.96. The total cost now is $2012.54.


Many people, including independent retirees, believe that the state government is double dipping or triple dipping with these taxes. Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory have all abandoned premium-based levies because many escape their obligations by way of underinsuring or not insuring at all. This is a hot issue because the current system penalises people who adequately insure.

Victoria has the highest levies in the world on insurance premiums, and country Victorians support changing from insurance levies to a property-based system, which is what The Nationals have proposed. Victoria must develop a more equitable funding mechanism for our very important fire services. The fire season is approaching, and I wish the Country Fire Authority volunteers all the best.

Will Mr Brumby ever get the message?

(My words in red.)

More on the FSL from Dr Sykes.. Hope Mr Brumby is listening to the people

29 July 2009 ASSEMBLY


Insurance: fire services levy

To the Legislative Assembly of Victoria:
The petition of residents of Victoria draws to the attention of the house the inequitable nature of the current fire services levy (FSL) on house, property and business insurance and points out to the house that everyone who benefits from fire services should contribute to its funding not just those who take out insurance whose premiums are effectively doubled by the FSL and associated taxes.

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Assembly of Victoria investigate and implement a fairer model of funding fire services.
By Dr SYKES (Benalla) (56 signatures).

Fire Service Levy, Is It a TAX?

As many of you know by now I have been saying that the FSL is an unjust way of collecting money to fund the fire services like the CFA.

Mr Peter Ryan MLA (Leader of The Nationals) has also taken this up for all Victorians. Today he brought this up in Question Time in parliment and I will post Mr Brumby's response here tomorrow.

In the meantime below is the media release from Mr Ryan:

Thursday 30 July 2009
PREMIER SHOULD COOPERATE ON FIRE SERVICES LEVY

The Premier should fully cooperate with the Federal Government Henry Review into Australia’s Future Tax System which, amongst other things, will investigate the Fire Services Levy (FSL), Shadow Minister for Bushfire Response and Leader of The Nationals Peter Ryan said today.



Mr Ryan said under the current Labor Government funding for fire services such as the Country Fire Authority (CFA) was accumulated through a tax on insurance premiums. “The Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition wrote to the Henry Review in May to request the inequity of the FSL be investigated as part of the review,” Mr Ryan said. “John Brumby has refused to refer the FSL to the Henry Review because he claims it’s ‘not a tax’ but his premise has now been embarrassingly rebuffed by the Review.



During State Parliament Question Time today Mr Ryan said a letter he received on the 20 July 2009 from the Henry Review confirmed it would be reviewing the FSL, stating: “I can assure you that the panel is reviewing, along with other taxes and transfers, the FSL imposed on insurance companies” Rob Heferen, Head of Secretariat, Henry Review. “It appears that everyone except John Brumby acknowledges that his government’s Fire Services Levy is a tax,” Mr Ryan said.



Mr Ryan called on the Premier to put aside his personal prejudice on the FSL and ensure Victoria cooperated fully with the Henry Review. “The Fire Services Levy as it stands is unfair and inequitable for those residents and small businesses that insure their premises,” Mr Ryan said. “Victoria currently has the highest taxes on property insurance in Australia and Victorians pay as much as $68 in addition to every $100 payable in premiums.



“The current system also encourages home owners not to insure because it’s too expensive – evidence shows approximately one-third of houses damaged or destroyed in this year’s horrific bushfires were not insured.”



Mr Ryan said while it was vital the CFA was not short-changed, the Opposition believed the FSL model needed urgent review to find a fairer system to adequately fund Victoria’s fire services.

Errors found in red meat cancer report

The epidemiological study that came out two years ago and declared that there was "convincing" evidence to link consuming red meat with cancer, specifically colorectal cancer, was flawed, and now, the author of the report has admitted it and has promised to write a letter to the US Department of Agriculture saying so.

Read the rest by clicking on the title

Horse workshops

COLDSTREAM’S Rochford Winery will host an RSCPA equine education event next month. On August 20, the RSPCA and equine vets will hold a practical workshop that discusses common horse problems, and allow attendees to gain a better understanding of horses. The workshop starts at 6pm and costs $40, including a meal. Phone 9224 2286 for bookings.

ODD SPOT

Cured meat cancer warning war
SARAH MUIRHEAD
28/07/2009 9:28:00 AM
ON behalf of three New Jersey consumers, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) and its Cancer Project filed suit against five food companies for failing to warn consumers that hot dogs increase the danger of colorectal cancer.

* Group seeks warning labels on hot dogs.

* PCRM wants labels warning of colon cancer risk.

* Suit based on questionable studies.

* Meat group calls for dismissal of "nuisance" suit.

To read the full story click on the TITLE above.

Competition

EPA 2010 Calendar Competition

It would be easy to design one for Coldstream
Jan Smell
Feb Vomit..
March $%$#


etc etc
To read the full story click on the TITLE above.
IT"S A JOKE!

Fire Service Levy

Farmers argue for scrapping fire service levy in insurance premium

Farmers in Victoria are lobbying the state government to scrap the Fire Service Levy and move to a broad-based and fairer approach to funding measures to combat bushfires.

Read more...

Sunday Delight

Evian Roller Babies

Click for a funny You Tube Video

PS What does EVIAN spelt backwards imply about the product?

APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR lives in 3770

Jason Richardson of Gruyere is top third year diesel technician apprentice of the year in Victoria.

Well done mate.
Read the full story here.

New bushfire roof systems approved in Victoria

Finally a new roof system has been approved!

by Robyn Short


- 23 July 2009 - The Victorian Building Commission has announced a new roofing system that will meet standards for Victoria’s most hazardous fire zones.

Acting building commissioner, Sarah McCann-Bartlett, made the announcement today following months of testing.

“We are pleased to have new roofing systems that meet the rigorous testing under the new Standard. It will give people the confidence of knowing that the new roofing system they choose is suitable for those areas that have been assessed as BAL-FZ ,[rated the highest in bushfire risk], Ms McCann-Bartlett said.

Development of the roof systems was jointly funded by Forest and Wood Products Australia Limited, BlueScope Steel Limited and Promat Australia Pty Ltd. It involved a cooperative approach to overcome the challenges associated with the design of construction systems that meet the requirements of the most extreme bushfire attack level under the new Standard, Ms McCann-Bartlett said.

Bluescope Steel Technology corporate brand manager, Michael Reay, said the company had commissioned work on various composites of steel cladding, glass fibre insulation and fibre cement fire panels.

The Master Builders Association of Victoria said there had been a lack of roofing products ready to meet the new standards.



Read the rest by clicking the title

The SMELLY situation

Last Monday night a group of us were briefed on the state of play with the SMELL situation by the solicitor acting for the Shire. The following night the councillors were briefed and were asked to advise the solicitor the future course of action.

VCAT has ordered ANL to stop recieving material soon and and clear the site. This should take another 6 months, so fingers crossed that VCAT does not change its mind on this partial decision.

James Larmour-Reid Director Planning Building & Health has email the following to confirm the stand the Shire will take in the future.

Subject: Coldstream Composting Facility

Hi everyone,

At our meeting last Monday (20 July) I undertook to advise you of the Shire's proposed response to the VCAT Order of 25 June 2009 in relation to the Coldstream Composting Facility. This was the subject of a briefing of Councillors on Tuesday night (21 July).

The Shire's position is that the most effective way to respond to the Order is to continue to pursue the matter through VCAT. The option of lodging an appeal to the Supreme Court has been considered, however it is our view that this is not the most effective approach at this stage. This does not preclude the option of an appeal being considered again in the future given that there are still several live matters before the Tribunal.


The VCAT Order requires a response from the Shire to the Tribunal by 31 July in relation to ANL's application to amend the planning permit. The details of the Shire's proposed approach will be outlined in that response. We will send a copy of that response to you. At this stage it is inappropriate for me to go into any further detail about the precise nature of that response.

Yours sincerely

Boring Day

Apart from the smell we encounter as one drives along Maroondah Highway to Lilydale very little apears to be going on at the moment.

Town calls foul

Town calls foul: VCAT decision on facility a 'waste' of time
BY LISELOTTE JOHNSSON

RESIDENTS living near Coldstream's composting facility say the past fortnight has brought worse odours than ever, despite a recent Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal order placing limits on the facility.

A recent VCAT ruling that followed a hearing at the end of May this year has adjourned until December its decision on whether to close the plant.

It has, however, ordered ANL to stop receiving green waste at the facility by October 25 and to process remaining waste within a further three months.

But VCAT would not rule out giving the company a permit to build a shed on the property to modify its processes to reduce the smell.

READ THE WHOLE ARTICLE from the MAROONDAH JOURNAL by clicking on the title.

I wish to remind residents to ring the EPA when there is a smell. I know that we are all sick of ringing but it is our only ongoing evidence.

Melba Lights

Below is a letter from Vic Roads explaing the latest on the Melba Lights. Stuart will contact those near the new lights as per his email to me

"Mario,

I am only talking to the residents effected by the roadworks. You can put
the letter on blog if you wish.

PS Do you know the residents near the intersection as i want to discuss
what the finished product outside their properties will be once the works
are completed ie: kerb and channel and new drainage and safer driveway exit
and entry points etc ??????

Kindest Regards,

Stuart Hamilton
Senior Improvement Projects Officer

........................

Dear Business Owner / Resident

INSTALLATION OF NEW TRAFFIC SIGNALS AND ASSOCIATED ROADWORKS AT MAROONDAH HIGHWAY & MELBA HIGHWAY COLDSTREAM.

In the coming months you will notice new traffic signals and associated roadwork’s under construction at Maroondah Highway and Melba Highway intersection – funded under the State Equity Congestion Program.

The new traffic signals and associated roadworks will improve the traffic flow and safety in your area. The project also includes kerb and channel, Public Lighting, drainage and asphalt replacement. Works will be completed in stages and all works are expected to be completed within 18 weeks from commencement on site.

Should you wish to discuss the installation of the above works with a VicRoads officer, please don’t hesitate to contact Stuart Hamilton on 131171


Kind regards,



SHARON PATTERSON
TEAM LEADER - IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

Insurers want wider fire levy

Click on the title to get the full document from THE AGE

Eric Johnston
July 21, 2009 .
INSURERS have called for an overhaul of the fire services levy in the wake of this year's bushfires, arguing that all property owners rather than those just with home insurance should pay it.

The levy is used to finance fire services.

In a submission to the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission, insurer CGU said the fire brigade funding model had failed to keep track with growth in demand for fire fighting services. The general insurer, which is owned by Insurance Australia Group, said a fire service, like police, was a "public good" and that funding arrangements should be transparent.

"Today, only insured people fund services that benefit the entire community," the submission said.

CGU said the Victorian Government should follow other states and introduce a property-based system to fund fire services. It argued this would provide substantial savings to policyholders and could encourage some to boost their level of insurance coverage.

Expo 2009 Snaps 3

Afew more snaps from the Rebuild Expo held in Lilydale.

Expo 2009 Snaps 2

Expo 2009 Snaps 1

Rebuilding Expo 2009 Report

The Rebulding Expo 2009 was on today and I must say that it was a great show. There were 96 exhibitors and I a sure that if you were affected by the recent fires or wish to build in a fire zone or even build in general you would have had a great deal of information at your disposal.

Most displays had reference material to take away and all had someone to talk to.

I know that Mandy Black and Donna Donovan (both of the Shire of Yarra Ranges) have put in many hours to get the Expo off the ground. I congratulate them both and I hope this may become a regular event on the Lilydale calender. I am sure that there were many others that were involved and and thank them as well.

I also hope that visitors follow up with exhibitors.

In the picture is a delighted Mandy Black and myself.

FSL: Comments from fellow readers

Jo Tenner said...

Hi Mario,

Thanks for following this issue so closely.

I would be interested to know your thoughts on what would be a more appropriate and fair means of funding the fire services. And if you know of any other proposals that other groups/people may have?

Cheers

Jo

Mario "Coldstream" Galteri said...

Jo,
Thanks for asking. I believe that the fire services should be funded the same way other community services are funded, the same way the police is funded, the same way the ambulance service is funded, that is, via state or federal taxes.
Only NSW and Tasmania fund the fire services through insurance premiums. Other states share the burden more equally.
Regards

greg said...

There seems to be an argument that has not been raised on this issue.

The majority of our bushfires are on crown land where DSE firefighters are paid to fight the fires. The CFA, on the other hand, is there to protect private property.

Thus, I submit that if costings were made on the location of recent fires, we might find that the government should be bearing the cost of the bulk of the funds needed by the levy

New Fire Chief

Coldstream CFA has new captain, Captain John Fenton.
John has been an active member of the CFA for many years and he puts Coldstream first in every area.

Congratulation John.

Fire Service Levy GETTING WORSE

As most of you know by now I have been arguing against the way the MFB and CFA are funded. They are funded by people that pay insurance, but the service is available to everyone.

It just ain't fair!

Below is an extract from the Weekly Times.
I urge you to read it by clicking on the title above and then write to your local MP.

FARMERS fear the Fire Services Levy could rise by as much as 80 per cent in order to fund $50 million in new bushfire initiatives.

The Victorian Farmers Federation has called on the State Government to ensure farmers are not picking up the bill for the new projects.

VFF president Andrew Broad said while improvements to bushfire preparation were always welcomed, they should not be funded through increases in the levy.

The levy is a compulsory tax on property insurance used to fund the CFA.

The VFF says regional property holders are compelled to pay 68 per cent, while Melbourne households pay only 21 per cent.

Scareware can be anywhere

Watch out for fake virus alerts

Scareware (also known as “rogue security software”) is a new breed of malicious software that pretends to be the good guy in the war against viruses and worms.

Scareware is any kind of fake software that appears to help protect your computer’s security, but instead generates misleading or annoying alerts and might attempt to trick you into paying money for a useless product. According to a recent article in USA Today, scareware is popping up in more and more places, including ads on popular Web sites, comments on YouTube and Twitter.

If you think you may have downloaded scareware, you can help protect your computer by using the Windows Live safety scanner or running the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool.

For more information, see Beware of rogue security software.

EXPO PROGRAM

Get your program and free entry here.

Building code confusion adds to hardship for fire victims

from The Age.
To read the full story click on the TITLE above.

MORE than five months have passed since fire destroyed their home at Callignee on Black Saturday, but the heartache has not ended for Tony and Louise Mann.

Although initially eager to begin the rebuilding process soon after the smoke had cleared, the Manns now find themselves mired in problems due to the strict new building standard for homes in bushfire-prone areas.

This is a great starting point

To read the full story click on the TITLE above.

All you need to know if you were affected by the fires in ANY way!

Rebuilding after the fires Expo

The Shire of Yarra Ranges is hosting an expo to provide residents (bushfire affected and others considering renovation) with the opportunity to speak to building experts, local contractors and suppliers to assist them through the rebuilding process. All of this and more in one convenient location. Click here to download full program of exhibitors and events Saturday 18 July 2009 from 10am until 4pm at Lilydale Showgrounds (Mel 38 E4), 27-29 Market Street, Lilydale 3140 Official Opening by Christine Nixon, APM As Chair of the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority Christine Nixon, will open the Expo at 10am. Special Guest MC - Ernie Dingo Ernie is Australia’s most well-known indigenous actor and TV presenter. He has appeared in many TV programs including The Great Outdoors, The Flying Doctor, Heartbreak High and Rafferty’s Rules. He has also appeared in Australian films and in 1990 received an Order of Australia for services to the Arts and in 1994 was voted Aboriginal of the year. Special guest from SBS Vasili Kanidiadis Vasili Kanidiadis was born in Coburg in Melbourne’s north, and he’s never left home as the house where he grew up is now a part of the Munro Street Nursery that he owns and operates. After studying as a structural engineer and then as a classical pianist Vasili studied horticulture. None of that hard work has gone to waste as Vasili now combines all three of these skills professionally and on screen.

EXHIBITORS Including: plumbing, building, electrical, solar, water, interior & exterior design, irrigation, fencing, kitchen & bathroom, lighting, waste water treatment systems and more. ACTIVITIES FOR ADULTS & CHILDREN Stilt Walkers Balloonologists Face Painting Basketball Display Animal Petting Farm

SHIRE OF YARRA RANGES REPRESENTATION Economic Development, Environment, Planning, Building, Public Health & Community Recovery SPECIALIST ADVICE ABOUT THE REBUILDING PROCESS AND LAND REHABILITATION PRACTICES David Hallet - Archicentre John Shaw - Victorian Building Commission Dr Ronald J Webber - Consumer Affairs Greg Moore - Research Associate and former Principle of Burnley College Melb. David Stewart - Department of Primary Industries

Master Builders Green Living

What is Master Builders Green Living? The Master Builders Association has created the Green Living nationally accredited training program to provide builders with the knowledge, information and tools to build sustainability options into their construction. MBA builders who complete the 2 days training, implement sustainable innovations in their operations and sign up to the accreditation requirements will be able to exclusively market themselves as a Master Builders Accredited Green Living Builder.

The aim of the training is to provide builders with: • the necessary skills to understand the scope and application of the energy provisions in the BCA and broad sustainability innovations (5 Star); • the skills and ongoing support to enable builders to comply with these provisions; • improved management and business skills to enable builders to pursue energy efficient innovations; • the necessary tools and information to identify design features of energy efficient structures that not only meet minimum standards but set a new benchmark in the housing sector for energy innovation. • the ability to improve their customer service and business by providing informative advice to clients about sustainable solutions in the design and construction of their dwelling. The training goes beyond the mandatory provisions required through the BCA or state/territory or local government regulation that, of course, vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. The training is aimed and structured to be delivered to businesses in the building and construction industry involved in the residential sector of the markets covering single lot residences, medium sized residential developments, apartments and units. Benefits for the builders • new skills and knowledge that will enable builders to better meet the demands of regulators and their clients. • More comfortable in offering sustainable solutions to their clients by having access to a range of tools that will enable them to better design and construct dwellings. Benefits for clients • Clients will have access to builders who are recognized for their leadership in the delivery of high quality sustainable solutions. • Clients will reap the personal and financial rewards of pursuing sustainable options that will make their home more comfortable and efficient. • Clients will have information available to them through the project and supporting initiatives like “Your Home” information so they can make an informed decision on the selection of design and construction features of their home as well as material selection, installation and maintenance options. Topics covered • Project planning • Passive solar efficient design considerations • Onsite management – waste management, erosion and sediment control • Framing and structure – materials selection, • Building envelope – insulation, glazing, materials selection, embodied energy • Water conservation • Energy conservation • Interior fitout – materials selection, embodied energy, indoor air quality, • Business strategy What will be asked of Master Builder Green Living builders? Everyone is welcome to complete the course, however Master Builders will accredit members who have completed the course as a Master Builder Green Living Builder once they have adopted sustainable innovations in their normal business operations. As a condition of accreditation a Master Builder Green Living Builder will need to complete the following annual re-accreditation undertakings; • submission of a two page annual report (form provided) to MBAV • the details and number of Master Builder Green Living projects completed using the checklists issued as part of the course • the amount of material recycled or diverted from landfill (submit reports obtained from waste disposal contractor or transfer/sorting facility) • confine litter, sand, soil, screenings, concrete and chemicals to the building site. • Payment of the appropriate annual re-accreditation fee. MBAV may check the accuracy of this information. Those found not to comply may loose their accreditation.

What do participants get? Course notes in a folder Customer guidance checklist Your Home - technical manual for sustainable building (RRP: $49) List of useful products and resources Keeping our stormwater clean – booklet

The Shire of Yarra Ranges is proud to host the Master Builders Green Living Course at the Shire’s office at Anderson Street, Lilydale on Friday August 14 and Friday August 21. Costs: $250 (For training and catering and refreshments) For further information contact Lou Zarro on 9294 6271 or l.zarro@yarraranges.vic.gov.au For a list of Master Builders Green Living Builders go to www.mbav.com.au/training/greenliving.html

New name, Same place.

The area of Yering immediately east of Yarra Glen, adjacent to the Yarra River is generally known as the Yarra Flats Billabongs. Council is the Committee of Management of the
Crown land in this area bordered by the old and new routes of the Melba Highway.

After consultation between the Management Committee, the Friends of the Yarra Flats Billabongs and the Wurundjeri Tribe Land Compensation and Cultural Heritage Council Inc it has been proposed that this Crown land be formally named with the dual indigenous and English name ‘Murrup Brarn Yarra Flats Billabongs’.

The proposal has been referred to the Department of Sustainability and Environment and emergency authorities, and the Yarra Glen and District Historical Society, and public notice has been given of the proposal and public comment invited. No objection, or any other comment, has been received.

It is recommended that Council recommend to the Registrar of Geographic Names that the Crown land be named Murrup Brarn Yarra Flats Billabongs.

VFF concern on fire tax

FARMERS are concerned that increases in the Fire Service Levy will be required to fund changes in policy, the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) says.

The Fire Service Levy is a compulsory tax on property insurance which is used to fund fire brigades.

While Melbourne households pay a 21-per-cent Fire Service Levy on their insurance premiums, regional property holders, including farmers, pay 68 per cent.

When you add the GST and stamp duty a fire insurance premium of $1000 ends up costing the farmer $2033 of which $1033 is tax, the VFF says.

To read the full story click on the TITLE above.
We need to protest!
This is just unfair!

The Tree has Gone!

Tree Change

Tomorrow is "C" day.
Cut down the tree day.

A tree that got so much press on radio and local and state papers.
A tree that has stopped Vic Roads from making an unsafe intersection safer.
A tree that "welcomes" visitors to the Yarra Valley.
A tree with out a history.
A tree that brought ridicule to our Shire.

Well, with a tear in my eye (I jest) and a grin on my face I will be there to say good bye!