PLANS to more than double the compulsory fire levy for Banjup property owners are being challenged by Cockburn city council.

Following bushfires in Banjup and Atwell in February, the WA fire and emergency services department says it now plans to reclassify parts of Banjup from level three to level one.

A three-hectare level three property pays a $160 a year levy. If the changes go through it rises to $330.

The DFES has also advised property owners it wants more land cleared for wider buffer zones.

Cockburn council—which must collect the levy on behalf of the government—has voted to ask the department to justify the higher charge and to seek advice from WA parks and wildlife on the proposed 5m clearance buffer around buildings.

“There is no improvement in services from the DFES,” the council report bluntly states.

“There is inadequate water reticulation to assist the fire brigade and the volunteer bushfire brigade would need to be called and should be called in the first instance as they are resourced to address such areas.”

The report says residents are paying a higher emergency services levy, “without receiving a premium service”.

“The council believes this anomaly should be corrected at the earliest time possible and ensure the owners are charged the appropriate levies.”

Council staff also question the wisdom of clearing native vegetation to create wider buffers.

“The extra clearing of land around other buildings is contrary to the lifestyle choice of owners wishing to live in harmony with the flora and fauna of special resource areas.”

by CARMELO AMALFI