By Bridie Byrne
OUTRAGED residents have attacked Wyndham Council over what they claim was a premature decision to support a controversial land tax.
The ill-fated Growth Area Contribution Tax (GAIC) was scrapped last week after being defeated in the State Upper House.
The changes to the Urban Growth Boundary hinged on the parliament passing the $95,000 per hectare tax on properties across Melbourne’s fringe.
Community groups waged a 15-month long battle against the State Government to have the GAIC charged at the point of development not purchase.
Taxed Out western branch chairperson Nola Dunn said there was now an overwhelming sense of frustration targeted at Wyndham Council.
Wyndham was the only council to publicly announce its support for the tax.
“It’s a shame they could not represent the community,” Ms Dunn said.
“What are their objectives behind it because they certainly were not supporting the people they are meant to.
“Residents should be reassessing their loyalties to this council.”
