Growth

GEMBROOK MP Tammy Lobato is calling on the State Government to make changes to the levying of a proposed land tax.
Ms Lobato has called for the Growth Areas Infrastructure Charge (GAIC) to be paid by developers at the time of development rather than by landowners at the point of sale.
She met with State Treasurer John Lenders last week in her ongoing efforts to bring about changes to charge.
Ms Lobato said many constituents had expressed concerns about the proposed charge since it was first mooted earlier this year.
“Community concerns about the GAIC centre around the imposition of the charge at the point of sale of any property,” she said.
“My representations to the ministers have been to advocate for the charge to be paid by developers at the time of land development rather than by owners at the point of sale. That is what my constituents want.”
Ms Lobato said she had raised the matter on several occasions over recent months with both Planning Minister Justin Madden and Premier John Brumby.
“A further concern is that the tax is set at a fixed sum per hectare regardless of the sale price achieved for a property,” she said.
“Residents have informed me that the dramatic price rises in land values which were expected to occur have not eventuated, meaning that the GAIC is more of a burden to landowners than may have been intended.”
Ms Lobato said she strongly supported the State Government’s commitment to provide timely infrastructure for new areas of development, but had reservations about any scheme which had the potential to be inequitable.
“I am keen to ensure that landowners are not disadvantaged by the GAIC proposal,” she said.
“I anticipate a further meeting with the Minister for Planning this week regarding the possibility of amending the GAIC to place the onus for payment on developers.”
Members of Taxed Out, a group formed to rally against the proposed tax, have already stated they intend to put up candidates against Labor MPs, including Ms Lobato, at the next state election.
Legislation on the GAIC is set to go before State Parliament later this year, Ms Lobato said.