Council is concerned about the impact on our community, especially local farmers, as a result of the Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund (ESVF) legislation passed in parliament last week.
The new levy will come into effect on 1 July 2025 and replaces the current Fire Services Property Levy (FSPL). Council will be required to collect the levy on behalf of the State Government through the annual rates notice.
At the MAV State Council on Friday 16 May, Council submitted a motion calling for the MAV to note the significant impact on local government and the community, particularly on primary production properties such as farms.
Cardinia Shire Mayor Cr Jack Kowarzik said Council would continue to seek clarification from the State Government on the level of financial support the State would provide to councils to administer the increased levy.
"Council looks forward to seeing what support will be provided to administer and collect this levy and to support us in responding to increased community questions, concerns and enquiries," Mayor Kowarzik said.
"While we understand that the levy is to fund emergency services, we are concerned about the impact it will have on ratepayers, including farmers.
"I would encourage our local farmers to seek out advice as to whether they are eligible for drought relief rebates, or exemptions for our emergency services volunteers."
Mayor Kowarzik said Council would be responsible for collecting the levy on behalf of the State Government, and that it would appear in rates notices for the 2025–26 year.
"While this levy will be collected by Council on behalf of the State Government, we remind our community that this is not a Council charge," he said.
"Even though State Government charges and Council charges are listed separately on our rates notices, payments made to Council are allocated equally across all charges, regardless of whether they are State or Council charges."
Council reminds ratepayers that they do not have the option to select which charges on their rates notice they wish to pay or withhold. Council encourages members of the community to contact us if they are experiencing financial hardship.
