VFF seeks release of interim evaluation of Fire Service property levy model

THE Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has called on the State Government to release an interim paper outlining the government’s preferred model for funding the fire services along with impact analysis.

Peter Tuohey, VFF Farm Business and Regional Development Chair, said the government needs to give Victorians the opportunity to comment on the preferred model before legislation is released.

“Changing the funding model for fire services is a major reform and there should be an interim paper released with the preferred model,” Mr Tuohey said.

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Animal Aid: Coldstream shelter gets OK for $5m revamp

ANIMAL Aid will add a few more creature comforts in a $5 million redevelopment at its Coldstream shelter.

The project was granted a permit by Yarra Ranges Council last Tuesday week.

Cr Jeanette McCrae encouraged councillors to support the proposal after she called for an alternate motion at the council meeting. The motion was unanimously passed.

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Outer suburbs warned of looming grassfire danger - Emergency Services - News - Melton Leader

Outer suburbs warned of looming grassfire danger - Emergency Services - News - Melton Leader

On the first hot and windy day of September there were more than 60 calls to the CFA involving scrub fires.

Fires around Melbourne on September 19 reached Safety Beach, Coldstream and Emerald, but none were serious.

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Coldstream star on run rampage

WITH wet conditions during the week there was some doubt over whether the Yarra Valley Cricket Association would make a start on opening weekend of season 2011-12.

Fortunately the weather cleared long enough for both junior and senior cricket to make a start as scheduled.

The highlight for the weekend in the Valley was the successful return of a high profile local as Western Bulldog player and former Coldstream junior Lindsay Gilbee smashed 145 in Coldstream's Strachan Shield clash against Yarra Junction.

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Fire levy call on motorists

VICTORIAN farmers have called for a $20 tax on all car registrations to fund CFA and MFB calls to road accidents.

In a submission to the Victorian Government, the Victorian Farmers Federation found 12 per cent of CFA and 9 per cent of MFB calls were to attend vehicle accidents.

The VFF pointed out it cost $711 million to run the CFA and MFB in 2009-10.

Yet the CFA's 2010 annual report shows the Traffic Accident Commission handed over just $14.3 million to cover the cost of call outs, about 3.5 per cent of the CFA's budget.

The VFF argues a $20 tax on the state's 4.2 million cars would contribute $84 million to the CFA and MFB budgets, generating almost 12 per cent of the fire service funding.

The VFF made its call for a car tax in its submission to the Government's options paper on finding a property levy to replace the controversial fire services levy on insurance premiums, which has reached 85 per cent.

The VFF's proposal has been backed by the Municipal Association of Victoria.

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