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Wellington Shire slams state's fire levy hike, demands fairer deal for farmers and rural landowners

Wellington Shire Council has slammed the state's revised emergency services levy, warning rural landowners still face unfair hikes of up to 150 percent despite a small rate reduction for farmers.

By news@gippsland - 20th May 2025 - Back to News

Wellington Shire Council remains outraged by the state government's rebranded Fire Services Levy - now known as the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) - despite a small revision that slightly reduced the rate for primary producers.

From 1 July 2025, farmers' levy drops slightly, but broad APCC rules mean many still face increases up to 150%

Levy change disappoints

From 1 July 2025, the levy for farmers drops from 83 cents to 71.8 cents per $1,000 of a property's capital improved value. But council warns this change does little to ease the blow for regional landowners, with some still facing levy increases of up to 150 percent.

Council is particularly concerned that under the State's Australian Property Classification Code (APCC), even land that is simply capable of farming, regardless of whether it is actively used for agriculture, will attract the increased levy. Hundreds of local landowners will be affected.

Unfair burden on regions

Wellington Shire Mayor, Cr Scott Rossetti, described the slight reduction as "negligible", emphasising council was bewildered by the State's treatment of rural communities and primary producers. "The revised rate doesn't change the fact that our farming families and rural ratepayers are being gouged beyond reason."

"As one of Victoria's largest rural councils, with agriculture as a backbone industry, the roll-on effect this will have throughout the community is just crippling. This tax will disproportionately strain our region, financially and mentally."

"The state government is throwing council under the bus by forcing us, by law, to collect the levy. Put simply - it's unfair, we completely oppose it, and we will continue to advocate with our community and other regional and rural councils against it," Cr Rossetti said.

Support, action, and advocacy

Help is available

Council's Rates team is offering support for residents experiencing difficulty paying their rates. Please phone Customer Service on 1300 366 244 to discuss flexible payment arrangements.

Council calls for action

Wellington Shire Council has written last month to the Premier, Treasurer, and Minister for Local Government to call for:

• Full exemption for primary producers
• State Revenue Office to take over levy collection
• Urgent review of the ESVF and its impact on regional communities

Have your say

Residents are encouraged to raise their concerns directly with the Department of Treasury and Finance:

• Email: dtfweb@dtf.vic.gov.au
• Mail: Department of Treasury and Finance, 1 Treasury Place, East Melbourne VIC 3002

Pictures from Wellington Shire Council Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com