VIC:New fire tax as govt rejects buyout

AAP General News (Australia)
08-27-2010
VIC:New fire tax as govt rejects buyout

The Victorian government has rejected a controversial buyout of properties in high-risk
bushfire areas .. but agreed to a new fire services tax, in the wake of the bushfires
royal commission final report.

Premier JOHN BRUMBY is also continuing to baulk at suggestions all the state's ageing
electricity infrastructure should be progressively replaced.

The premier says the government will support 60 of the commission's 67 recommendations.

This includes the new fire services tax and recommendations restricting development
in fire risk areas.

But the commission's voluntary retreat and resettlement recommendation for people in
high-risk bushfire locations has been flatly rejected.

AAP RTV md/pm/wz

KEYWORD: TEAGUE (MELBOURNE)

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