Horsham Rural City Council Mayor Cr Ian Ross has welcomed the Victorian Government's decision to scrap a planned increase to the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) levy for local residents, following strong advocacy and community concern.
The State Government on Friday confirmed it would freeze the ESVF levy at current rates for 2025–26, reversing a move that would have significantly increased the financial burden on residents in rural and regional areas.
Cr Ross said the announcement was a win for fairness and common sense.
"We're pleased the Government has listened. This outcome is a direct result of raising our concerns in the lead-up to the State Budget," he said.
Cr Ross met directly with Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence and Minister for Local Government Nick Staikos in the lead-up to the budget, voicing the community's concerns over the proposed levy changes.
"Thank you to Ministers Spence and Staikos for taking the time to meet with me and for listening to the concerns of our region," he said.
While the freeze is only guaranteed for one year, Cr Ross has called on the Government to go further.
"We are asking for permanent equity. Rural communities should not be penalised with higher levies simply because of where we live," he said.
Alongside the ESVF announcement, the Government also unveiled an expanded $37.7 million drought support package to assist farmers facing worsening conditions across the state.
Key measures include:
- Increasing on-farm infrastructure grants to $10,000 in 11 council areas and parts of West Wimmera
- Expanding support for water carting and pasture re-establishment
- Providing additional technical, financial and mental health assistance.
Cr Ross said the drought assistance would provide much-needed support to the region's farming community.
"These dry conditions are biting hard. Support like this is essential to help our farmers manage through one of the toughest seasons in recent memory."
Council will continue to work with the State Government to ensure long-term solutions are put in place to support regional communities.
