Letter to the Editor: A ‘significant’ change to levy’s purpose

DEAR News Of The Area,

FOR more than 30 years, ratepayers in the Coffs Harbour LGA have contributed to an environmental levy to support community-led environmental work.

The proposed budget for the next three years of the “Delivery Program” published on Friday 16/4/26, appears to redirect funds away from community environmental programs and towards projects that have traditionally been funded through consolidated revenue.

This represents a significant change to the original purpose of the levy.

The Environmental Levy has long been guided by qualified community oversight.

Since the policy changes last year, that oversight has been removed and decisions are now made internally by council staff with limited experience or environmental qualifications.

The proposal to allocate $300,000 for street tree planting over three years (possibly for post-bypass highway beautification) may have merit, but it does not align with the levy‘s original intent and should not come at the expense of community volunteers and local environmental restoration.

I write as a long-term Landcare Volunteer and small business owner employing 15 local people in this field.

As this document will soon be placed on public exhibition for public comment, I encourage all those who care to put in a submission.

I also urge the Council to ensure the process is transparent and that community feedback is properly considered.

Together in restoration,
Lindy DAVIS,

Moleton.