Petrol excise vs road tax

[mantra]

So if I choose to live in the middle of nowhere, I am 'entitled' to water, sewerage and electricity to my front gate, a nice bitumen road, and a school nearby? How about a bus service and a train station also?

That's a fallacy. I live 100 km from the CBD - yet I pay higher Council rates than those who live in the most exclusive areas of Sydney ie eastern suburbs or the north shore. My street, which was once quiet, has become a main drag strip for all the local and holiday traffic yet it has never been curbed and guttered regardless of the exorbitant rates I pay. There are few traffic lights, but dozens of roundabouts - a huge saving to the local council, but they create congestion and accidents. We pay higher prices for our groceries because trucks claim the cost of that extra mileage to transport goods. Petrol prices are higher than the city for the same reason.

Everything is more expensive in regional and country areas. Houses might be a little cheaper - but that is the only advantage.

[Outlaw Yogi]

Does anyone remember when only our registration paid for road maintenance?

Yes, but back then insurance was part of the rego (state). With privatisation of the insurance component, fuel excise (federal) there was less state income, deepening reliance on federal grants. Now we've got privatised toll roads which require land resumption. One blunder after another.

So what's the answer? ... Follow state MP for Bundaberg Leanne Donaldson's lead by driving an unregistered vehicle on a cancelled license, don't pay the mortgage on your $400K house and get the ALP to pick up the tab.