Ratepayers asked to foot bill for lifeguard shortages under Labor

THE Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien has warned that the Allan Labor Government is putting beachgoers at risk by forcing coastal councils and their ratepayers to cover funding shortfalls for Life Saving Victoria (LSV).

In State Parliament this week, Mr O’Brien asked the Minister for Emergency Services why beachgoers will face fewer paid lifeguards this summer, despite the government collecting an additional $3 billion through its new emergency services tax.

“Victorians are paying billions more in tax, supposedly to support our emergency services, yet we are facing fewer paid lifeguards on our beaches,” Mr O’Brien said. 

“Councils, including in Gippsland, are being asked to contribute up to 300 per cent more to keep patrols operating. That extra cost will inevitably be passed on to local ratepayers, who are already paying more through the emergency services tax.” 

Correspondence from LSV to coastal councils has warned that unless extra contributions are made, “the number of patrolled days will be reduced and this will increase the risk of drowning.”

South Gippsland Shire has been told its contribution will have to rise from $33,000 to $113,000 annually, while Wellington’s will double from $32,000 to $66,000. East Gippsland’s will need to increase from $56,000 to $105,000. Other councils, including Warrnambool and Mornington Peninsula are also facing dramatic increases. 

“LSV is a fantastic organisation that relies heavily on volunteers, but it still needs paid lifeguards and support to keep our beaches safe during busy periods,” Mr O’Brien said. 

“Gippsland ratepayers should not be forced to pay twice when the Allan Labor Government has already imposed billions in new taxes for emergency services.”

Mr O’Brien said the prospect of reduced patrols at beaches such as Woodside, Seaspray, Waratah Bay and Venus Bay was concerning.