Statement from Murrindindi Shire Council Mayor Damien Gallagher
Murrindindi Shire Council remains deeply concerned about the introduction of the Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund (ESVF) and the impact this new levy will have on rural communities, particularly our farmers already under significant financial pressure.
While we acknowledge that recent changes to the levy, including a reduction in the rate for Primary Production Land and rebates for eligible CFA and SES volunteers, reflect the outcome of strong advocacy by Murrindindi and other rural councils, these measures do not go far enough.
This additional tax compounds the burden on farmers who are already contending with rising costs, dry conditions, and limited feed availability. For those not eligible for infrastructure grants or volunteer rebates, there is little relief. The timing of this levy could not be more difficult.
Council has consistently raised concerns about the design and fairness of the levy. While all communities rely on emergency services, the current funding model places a disproportionate burden on rural communities, particularly small to medium primary producers with multiple land titles. The exemption for emergency service volunteers on their primary place of residence offers limited relief and does little to address the broader impact on farming families.
We acknowledge the importance of properly resourced emergency services and the extraordinary efforts of our local volunteers. But this must not come at the expense of the viability of farming and rural life.
Council will continue to advocate for a fairer and more sustainable approach - one that supports both our emergency services and our communities to thrive.
