Baw Baw Shire Council is standing up for ratepayers by opposing the newly legislated Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF), which will require Council to collect levy funds on behalf of the Victorian Government through Council rates notices.
The ESVF will be implemented from 1 July 2025 and replace the Fire Services Property Levy which has always been collected by Councils on behalf of the Victorian Government.
Rather than being a fixed cost for each ratepayer, the ESVF will be calculated based on a property's Capital Improved Value (CIV), with this change expected to significantly increase financial burden on property owners, particularly in regional areas like Baw Baw Shire.
A Notice of Motion (NoM) was raised by West Ward Cr Ben Lucas and passed unanimously by Councillors at last night's Council Meeting resolving to write to the Allan Government to formally oppose the ESVF and call on the Victorian Government to repeal this decision.
As part of the adopted Notice of Motion, Council will advocate that the Victorian Government:
defer the levy for Baw Baw Shire ratepayers for one year on the basis that similar drought and environmental impacts affect this farming community as they do, in southwest Victoria where a deferral has been granted,
consult with the local community and speak to those directly affected by the levy, and -
explore how best to equitably share the financial cost of the levy.
Council Officers will also explore partnering with neighbouring Councils to investigate ways to better understand the social and economic impacts felt by the community as a direct result of the levy.
Many residents and community groups in attendance at the meeting were also strongly in support of the NoM.
Baw Baw Shire Deputy Mayor Cr Tricia Jones says the ESVF imposes an undue financial burden on rural communities already facing economic challenges.
"Of course we support the Emergency Services and the critical work they do, however this levy will disproportionately impact farmers and large property owners left to foot a huge chunk of the bill, many of whom are also volunteer firefighters," said Cr Jones.
"Residential, farming and commercial properties will all see a large increase in this levy when rates notices are sent out later in the year, and that is just not right."
Councillor Ben Lucas, who moved the Notice of Motion at the Council meeting, said the Notice of Motion requested that Council Officers engage with wellbeing support services and prepare them to assist families and households that may experience difficulties associated with the impact of the levy.
"Farming for me is very personal, and I beg the State Government to reconsider their decision – the weight of this tax feels heavy.
"I've spoken to several farmers about their personal experience and the pressures they're already feeling. Our farmers are worried about the future of farming, they're already doing it tough. Adding additional taxes will only take these farmers to breaking point.
"We rely on our farmers. The legislation in its current form does not benefit our local farmers, emergency services volunteers, and our already struggling community.
"To the State Government, consider the impacts this Levy will have on our community and axe the tax."
Councillor Adam Sheehan, who seconded the Notice of Motion, said the levy was simply a rural tax.
"Councils should not be tax collectors for the state," he said.
"We are calling on the Victorian Government to listen to rural Victoria.
"I have heard from some of these farmers. Our farmers are already hurting, and this will hit our large farming and agricultural sector the hardest.
"We urge the Government to reconsider the impact this would have on our community out here in Baw Baw Shire."
