This is despite a commitment last November during the state government’s mini budget that contributions would fall.

Now it appears the government has gone back on its word following news that the next two invoices to local councils for the emergency services levy will be higher than before.

The state government has rushed through legislation on the issue – one that has infuriated the NSW Liberals and Nationals who were prevented time to consult with stakeholders.

Cr Keith attended the Local Government and Shires Association Executive meetings in Sydney last week where the issue was raised.

“Blind Freddy could see this coming and we raised the issue immediately the government made the announcement,” Cr Keith said.

“Like most councils in NSW we are sick of increased fees and reduced subsidies and services.

“It is bad enough that we have to contribute more towards emergency services but we are also shelling out for doctors and medical facilities.”

Cr Keith said that water and sewer projects in the shire had been deferred and lower subsidies offered.

“The Government had indicated that this change in funding structure for emergency services would be cost neutral to local government and this is obviously not the case.”

He said local Independent Member Dawn Fardell had made representations on the matter.

Shadow Minister for Emergency Services, Melinda Pavey said the failure of the Rees government to keep their promise to cut emergency services costs would impact greatly on local councils everywhere.

“In light of this legislation it appears that the broken Labor government has misled the public given that at the time of the mini-budget in 2008, they stated there would be significant cost savings under the new emergency services levy funding model,” Ms Pavey said.

“The NSW Labor Government announced with great fanfare that these new changes would save an estimated $40 million and would lead to additional cost savings.”