Murrindindi Shire Council has welcomed the Victorian Government's announcement to cap the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) levy for primary production properties at 2024–25 levels for the next financial year.
The cap offers much-needed short-term relief for farmers facing the worst drought conditions in over a decade, and follows strong, coordinated advocacy from farmers, local communities, Council, and industry bodies.
'This is a positive step and a direct result of rural voices coming together,' said Murrindindi Shire Council Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher. 'We thank the Treasurer for listening, but a one-year cap won't fix a system that continues to impact residents, hurts commercial and industrial property owners, and remains deeply unfair to many primary producers, especially those managing multiple land titles.'
Farmers across Murrindindi are dealing with escalating freight costs, feed shortages, and water scarcity. Many have had to destock or euthanise animals due to poor conditions and limited options. The emotional toll is growing, with the wellbeing of farming families under increasing pressure.
Council has also welcomed the formation of the Victorian Government's Drought Response Taskforce, which will advise on drought relief measures for farmers, businesses and rural communities. Cr Gallagher, representing Murrindindi on the Hume Region Local Government Network, has joined other mayors in putting forward a clear case for further action.
The group's advocacy includes calls for:
- A drought declaration to unlock Disaster Recovery Funding;
- Emergency funding for water cartage and feed;
- Permanent abolition of the ESVF levy;
- Local delivery of mental health support;
- Relief for those already impacted by issued levy notices;
- Action on freight and fodder price gouging by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
'Supporting emergency services and supporting rural communities shouldn't be a trade-off,' Cr Gallagher said. 'We'll continue to work alongside our community and regional partners to push for a fairer, more durable approach.'
