Willoughby City Council voiced its opposition to the NSW Government’s decision to impose a substantial increase in the Emergency Services Levy (ESL) for the 2023/24 period. During its May meeting, the council adopted a Mayoral Minute denouncing the move, which will severely impact its budget to the tune of $500,000.
The government’s recent announcement to eliminate ESL subsidies shifts the financial burden onto councils without providing any means of cost recovery, the council says. Since 2018/19, council’s ESL has risen by 63 per cent.
Mayor Tanya Taylor emphasised the council’s support for a well-funded emergency services sector, but stressed the importance of an equitable, transparent, and sustainable funding model.
“We thank Local Government NSW for representing councils on this matter, and hope that our combined voices will be heard,” Ms Taylor said.
Council will call on the government to take immediate action to restore the ESL subsidy in 2023/24, urgently introduce legislation to decouple the ESL from the rate peg, and develop a more sustainable method of funding emergency services in consultation with local government.
Willoughby Council will join forces with other NSW councils in writing to key members of parliament and agencies, expressing their opposition and requesting immediate action.