Swan Hill Rural City Council has welcomed the Victorian Government's decision to reconsider its planned increase to the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) levy for primary production properties — calling it a direct result of tireless regional advocacy and a powerful community response.
The State Government has today confirmed that the levy would be frozen for primary production properties at current rates, backing away from a large hike that would have unfairly penalised rural and regional households, property owners and Councils.
Council's Mayor, Cr Stuart King said the announcement was a clear victory for rural Victorians.
"This change shows what can happen when rural communities stand united and refuse to be ignored.
"We were loud, we were clear, and we were right — this new tax was fundamentally unfair and would have placed an unacceptable burden on the very people who feed the nation," he said.
Cr King said he had met directly with concerned residents, including local Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) members to understand the extent the tax would have impacted locals.
"I acknowledge the temporary freeze is a step forward, but it must not end there.
"This can't be a one-year fix. Regional communities need certainty and fairness — and we're calling for a long-term solution. We'll keep fighting until that's delivered for all our ratepayers," Cr King said.
Cr King reaffirmed Council's commitment to work alongside all levels of government to deliver lasting, sustainable solutions that genuinely strengthen and support our regional communities.
