Thousands of Sunshine Coast homeowners and businesses will no longer face an Emergency Service Levy increase after the state government abandoned the plan amid concerns over value for money.
More than 19,000 property owners have escaped a proposed hike of up to $124 after Sunshine Coast Council advocated for its removal.
The council believed the levy increase was unwarranted as there was no evidence of increased service delivery from the Queensland Fire Department for affected areas, and that some businesses may have been forced to shut down because of the extra cost.
Homeowners in Caloundra South were facing a $124 levy increase while those at Marcoola, Coolum, Peregian Springs and Peregian Beach were set to pay an extra $101.
Sunshine Coast mayor Rosanna Natoli welcomed the decision, saying the proposed increase was “unjust”.
“This would have had a large impact on our residents and businesses during this tough economic environment,” she said.
“We thank Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers Ann Leahy for listening to our concerns and reversing this decision.”
Councillor Maria Suarez said some businesses in the Coolum industrial estate and shopping complexes faced increases between $2000 and $12,000, based on the gross floor area.
“This would have placed an unbearable burden on them,” she 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.”
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Councillor Jennry Broderick, whose division includes Caloundra South, also welcomed the decision.
“I know many residents in my area were deeply concerned,” she 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.”
Councillor Taylor Bunnag said the reversal was a “huge win”.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
