THE Mitchell Shire Council (MSC) has sent another strong message to the State Government at its October meeting, moving a Notice of Motion to repeal the Emergency Services and Volunteer Levy in its entirety.
The latest move continues MSC’s offensive against the fund, stressing that while there is a need to fund emergency services, it isn’t feasible to put more cost-of-living pressures against farmers, businesses, families, households and properties.
Council has consistently raised concerns about the levy since its announcement in May 2025, highlighting the disproportionate burden it places on rural and farming communities. Under the current model, residential ratepayers are expected to see a 35 per cent increase, commercial properties a 70 per cent increase, and primary producers up to 150per cent, based on capital improved value.
Although the State Government announced a one-year pause on levy increases for primary producers, Council believes this does not go far enough.
Speaking at Monday night’s Council meeting, Councillor Andrea Pace spoke about the importance of fighting back for the community.
“Ever since it’s inception, our Council has been dead against this fund. Some of us have gone down and walked the streets in protest, we’ve written letters, we have not been silent,” she said.
“We are out there fighting for our community, for an unjust fund.
“This is just the next step. It’s not the final step, just the next step in trying to get this fund overthrown.”
Councillor Bob Cornish also spoke in support of moving the motion.
“I think the motion speaks to itself. It does mention the cost being placed upon families and businesses and the like. On top of all this, we are the highest taxed state in Australia with no transparency. So, the sooner this thing is removed, the better it is for one and all,” he said.
The vote was carried unanimously.
Mitchell Shire Mayor John Dougall said more needs to be done to protect ratepayers from unfair cost increases.
“This is a tax our community cannot afford,” Cr Dougall said.
“While we support our emergency services, the funding model must be fair. The current levy punishes the very people who are already struggling – particularly our farmers and rural families who are facing drought, inflation and increasing input costs.
“Council should not be used as a tax collector for the State. We’re calling for this levy to be removed from households and farmers altogether.”
Council will now write to the Treasurer formally requesting the removal of the levy from primary producers and residential ratepayers. It will also continue to support the Municipal Association of Victoria and the Hume Regional Local Government Network in their advocacy on this matter.
