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Calls to extend bushfire waste levy exemption

By Billie Davern

May 29, 2026

With the Victorian Government’s bushfire waste levy exemption to cease on June 30, calls are being made to extend this program until the end of the year. Photo by Supplied

The Victorian Government’s decision to cease its bushfire waste levy exemption at the end of June has been slammed by a local MP.

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State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said the announcement had come amid cleanup delays, criticising the government’s recovery response.

“It has taken more than four months of relentless advocacy just to get a single extra month of free tip access, and even that extension is completely inadequate,” Ms Cleeland said.

“This is not a recovery response. This is the government going through the motions while our community continues to wait.

“By the government’s own figures, this is one of the most dysfunctional cleanup responses Emergency Recovery Victoria has ever delivered.”

Under the program, individuals impacted by fire will have their waste levy and gate fees covered when disposing of bushfire waste at eligible landfills, composting facilities or transfer stations across the state.

A total of $5 million has been allocated to the program by the government and it is set to conclude on June 30.

A spokesperson said the government would continue to support the state’s recovery from the 2026 summer fires.

“We’ve stood with the bushfire-affected communities from day one and we’ll continue standing with them throughout the long recovery ahead,” they said.

“The member’s claims about our recovery efforts are wrong.

“While others are busy scoring political points, we were on the ground from the outset to complete essential preparation works, manage dangerous hazards and get recovery moving safely and quickly — and we still are.

“Along with the Commonwealth, we are supporting Victorians devastated by the fires with more than $420 million to clean up, recover and rebuild — and we’ll always consider what more we can do.”

Ms Cleeland is calling for the exemption to be extended until the end of the year.

“Recovery is not finished because Treasury wants to close the books on June 30,” she said.

“Recovery is finished when families are back in homes, businesses are operating again and properties are finally cleared.

“We are nowhere near that point. Extending this exemption to the end of the year is the very least this government can do after everything it has failed to deliver.”