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Gippslanders face higher taxes with new Emergency Services levy, replacing Fire Services Property Levy in 2025Gippslanders will face higher taxes in 2025 with the new Emergency Services levy, nearly doubling rates. This expanded tax will fund emergency services but lacks transparency and burdens struggling families and farmers. By news@gippsland - 13th December 2024 - Back to News Gippslanders can expect another financial hit from the Allan Labor Government in the form of an increased tax on their 2025 rates notice. The Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) levy will be added to local rates bill from 1 July 2025, replacing the Fire Services Property Levy (FSL) at a much higher rate. 
Danny O'Brien expressed concern over transparency, noting CFA volunteers' exemption from the ESVF as a small victory after previous issues with local brigades Emergency levy burdenThe Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O'Brien said Gippsland homeowners can now expect to pay 17.3 cents for every $1000 in Capital Improved Value - up from 8.7 cents. "This is an expanded tax that is being used to force Gippslanders to pay for what should be core government services like Triple 0 and Emergency Management Victoria." "We are being told that the increase of almost 100 per cent will be used to fund up to 95 per cent of all emergency services operations. Using a levy to pay for more services means there will be less transparency on where and how money is spent and we can be sure the CFA will again miss out," Mr O'Brien said. Support CFA volunteersMr O'Brien said a lack of transparency was extremely concerning, especially when we have already seen local brigades like Winnindoo and Mirboo North CFAs be mucked around under the current arrangements. "Mirboo North CFA was told it would be receiving capital funding from the CFA in 2022 only to have those funds later withdrawn. "And Winnindoo CFA have just been told to wait at least another year after already waiting five years for its new station." Mr O'Brien said that there was a small win in that The Nationals calls for CFA volunteers to be exempted from the FSL has been heeded with an announcement from the State Government that volunteers will be exempt from the ESVF. "While I am pleased to see that CFA volunteers will not be hit by this exorbitant new tax, I remain concerned for the rest of Gippsland families and farmers who are already doing it tough. Our CFA brigades need to be resourced appropriately, but the answer cannot be to take from those who are already struggling," he said. Unfair tax hikeMr O'Brien said he was particularly concerned for Gippsland farmers as commercial, industrial and primary production landowners face increases of 100 percent, 64 per cent, and 189 per cent more respectively. "The ESVF represents an additional $2.1 billion in taxes under Labor's latest grab. Gippslanders deserve better than higher taxes to prop up Labor's failures. Gippslanders are again paying the price because Labor can't manage money," Mr O'Brien said. Pictures from Mirboo North CFA Instagram page.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com

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Nationals Leader David Littleproud says farmers have won a major victory after Labor abandoned its plan to tax unrealised gains on farms held in self-managed super funds. - Bass Coast Council releases first Q1 2025-26 Performance Report, highlighting progress, finances, and key Council Plan achievements
Bass Coast Shire Council’s first Q1 2025-26 Performance Report highlights strong progress on the Council Plan, financial surplus, capital projects, strategic documents, and community initiatives, reflecting transparency and good governance. - Mallacoota’s Bryce Watts-Parker wins 2025 NextGen Landcare Award for inspiring environmental leadership, recovery projects
Mallacoota’s Bryce Watts-Parker won the 2025 NextGen Landcare Award for leading environmental projects, including the Endemic Garden and community nursery, inspiring ecological recovery and community engagement in East Gippsland. - Southern Rural Water celebrates World Tourism Day 2025 while linking people, culture, nature, and sustainable regional tourism
World Tourism Day 2025 highlights water’s role in southern Victoria, connecting people, culture, recreation, agriculture, and sustainable tourism while supporting communities, ecosystems, and Traditional Owner cultural heritage. - Baw Baw Shire Council hosts Seniors Festival 2025, featuring free events and activities celebrating connection, creativity and positive ageing
Baw Baw Shire celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival October 2025 with free events, workshops, garden tours, and activities, encouraging seniors to connect, create, celebrate, and enjoy free public transport across Victoria. - Yarragon’s Angela Malacarne Park wins 2025 Geographic Naming Award, celebrating local heritage and community contributions
Yarragon’s Angela Malacarne Park, still under construction, has won the 2025 Geographic Naming Award, recognising Mrs Malacarne lifelong contributions and the community-led naming process. - Baw Baw Shire fire danger period begins on 27 October with restrictions and safety measures
Baw Baw Shire Fire Danger Period starts 27 October. Residents should prepare properties, follow fire restrictions, and can use free green waste drop-offs to reduce bushfire risks. - Latrobe City Council announces '2025 Latrobe Through Your Lens' photography and video winners
Latrobe City Council congratulates winners of the 2025 Latrobe Through Your Lens competition, celebrating local photography and videography with category prizes and an overall winner highlighted across Council platforms. - Tim Bull says firewood shortage worsened by Labor policies amid abundant bush timber
Tim Bull says Labor’s native timber shutdown has caused firewood shortages in East Gippsland, despite record bush fuel loads, urging practical policy changes to reduce fire risk and supply timber responsibly. - Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving, preventing East Gippsland ratepayers covering government shortfalls
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving Victoria, warning councils face doubled contributions while new Emergency Services levy strains East Gippsland and Wellington budgets. - Martin Cameron urges Energy Minister to lift outdated coal overlays blocking 2000 new homes in Traralgon
Nationals MP Martin Cameron criticised Minister Lily D'Ambrosio for refusing to review outdated coal overlays blocking 2000 new homes in Traralgon, despite studies confirming land stability for development. - Peri Urban Councils Victoria reflecting on 2025 year of growth, advocacy, and stronger Peri-Urban communities
As 2025 ends, PUCV reflects on a productive year of growth, advocacy, and connectivity improvements, thanking member councils and supporters, while preparing an ambitious agenda for 2026 and beyond. - Bass Coast Shire Council pop-up sessions on four local playspace upgrades and proposed new designs on 13 Jan 2026
Bass Coast Council is upgrading four playspaces in Wonthaggi, Cape Paterson, and Ventnor, inviting community feedback on two design options via Engage Bass Coast and January pop-up sessions. - Parliamentary Inquiry into the 2026 summer fires across Victoria, make a submission by 15 March 2026
Parliamentary Inquiry launched to scrutinise Victoria’s 2026 bushfire preparedness, planning, and emergency response across regional communities. - Melina Bath urges Labor Minister to reinstate Latrobe Valley town bus timetable after changes as commuters report major daily disruptions
The new Latrobe Valley PTV bus timetable has disrupted access to essential services, prompting Nationals’ Melina Bath to request reinstating the previous schedule to better serve commuters, students, and vulnerable residents. - Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre (Glen Eira Leisure) claim fourth consecutive victory at 2025 Life Saving Victoria Pool Lifeguard challenge
Glen Eira Leisure won the 2025 Life Saving Victoria Pool Lifeguard Challenge for the fourth consecutive year, excelling in rescue, emergency response, and team-based competitions against 23 Victorian aquatic teams. - Tim Bull slams government over firewood shortages, fuel loads and lack of practical solutions
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has slammed government policy for firewood shortages, warning rising bush fuel loads pose serious risks, calling for extended collection areas, longer seasons and practical fire management. - Heyfield Wetlands visitors can now refill bottles and provide water for dogs using new fountain
Heyfield Wetlands receives new drinking fountain, supporting community recreation, hydration, pets and Gippsland Water’s broader public refill network initiative. - Tim Bull accuses Labor government of reducing fire mitigation work, misleading contractors, prioritising former timber industry assets
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull accused the Allan Labor government of reducing fire mitigation work, misleading contractors, and prioritising former timber industry assets over existing external plant panel workers. - Melina Bath calls on the Allan government to support Traralgon families, participants and staff after Daily Living Disability Services closure
The Nationals are urging the Allan government to provide immediate support for participants, families, and staff affected by the sudden closure of Daily Living Disability Services in Traralgon. - Orbost Outdoor Pool adopts clearer, family-friendly 2025 schedule following strong community feedback
Orbost Outdoor Pool will introduce a clearer, community-informed schedule for the 2025 season, offering predictable peak-season hours and flexible warm-weather openings to better support families, school-aged swimmers and local pool users. - Gippsland Water urges customers to include alternate water sources in bushfire plans during fire danger period
Gippsland Water urges customers to include alternate water sources in bushfire plans, store emergency drinking water, and follow CFA advice during the Fire Danger Period from 27 October to 1 May 2026. - East Gippsland celebrates connection, creativity, and community with 2025 month-long Seniors Festival program
East Gippsland Shire Council presents the 2025 Seniors Festival, offering over 60 free and low-cost events celebrating connection, creativity, wellbeing, and community for older residents throughout October. - Tim Bull demands end to brumby shooting as pest and weed control programs face cuts
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has urged the state government to scrap its costly brumby shooting program, criticising cuts to pest and weed control services vital for farmers and rural communities. - Darren Chester celebrates Yarram Secondary College student achievements at 2025 annual awards ceremony presentation
Darren Chester attended Yarram Secondary College’s 2025 Awards, celebrating diverse student achievements, encouraging confidence and optimism, and acknowledging outgoing and incoming school captains leadership. - Allan Labor government backs First Nations athletes in Eastern Victoria with new sports grants
The Allan Labor government has announced over $67,000 in Aboriginal Sport Participation Grants, supporting First Nations athletes in Eastern Victoria with travel, uniforms, and equipment to compete locally and nationally. - Nationals pledge to restore Parentline funding, criticise Labor's decision to axe vital family counselling service for Gippslanders
The Nationals vow to reinstate Parentline funding if elected, condemning Labor's cut to the vital family counselling service that supports Victorian parents, particularly in regional communities facing limited access to services. - Latrobe City Council highlights strong financial performance and community-focused progress in its 2024/2025 Annual Report presentation
Latrobe City Council’s 2024/2025 Annual Report shows strong financial sustainability, strategic progress and disciplined planning, highlighting new health-focused development and continued delivery of essential services and infrastructure. - Allan Labor government backs regional footy and netball with $1.5M from 2025-26 Country Football and Netball Program
The Allan Labor government is investing $1.5 million in Morwell sports clubs through the Country Football and Netball Program, while opening new grants to upgrade regional facilities and boost community participation. - Darren Chester urges sun safety as Australia’s high melanoma rates stress risks, awareness, and early detection
Federal MP Darren Chester warns Gippslanders of Australia’s high melanoma rates, urging sun protection, early detection, and following the Five Sun Safe Rules as UV levels rise heading into summer. - East Gippsland Council seeks feedback for the UOMO draft legislation, submit feedback by 19 October 2025
East Gippsland Council welcomes Federal UOMO draft legislation, aiming to expand reliable mobile coverage, improve emergency services, and ensure equitable access for rural and remote communities. Feedback is open until 19 October 2025. - Danny O’Brien thanks Gippsland community for generosity supporting foster children’s Christmas Giving Tree appeal
Danny O’Brien thanked Gippslanders for their generosity in supporting the Giving Tree appeal, helping ensure foster children receive Christmas gifts and feel remembered, valued, and cared for this holiday season. - Danny O'Brien slams Labor for funding maintenance at Sale College instead of new campus
Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor for allocating $273,175 in maintenance to Sale College, arguing funds should instead deliver the long-promised new consolidated campus the community has campaigned for since 2017. - Latrobe City Council seeks community feedback on Draft Economic Development Strategy 2025 - 2031 to help shape long-term economic growth
Latrobe City Council invites community feedback on its Draft Economic Development Strategy 2025-2031, aiming to build a diverse, inclusive, resilient economy, create jobs, attract investment, and shape the city’s future. - East Gippsland Shire adopts fairer Raymond Island Ferry pass system, replacing portable passes with vehicle stickers from 2026/27
East Gippsland Shire Council will replace Raymond Island Ferry portable passes with vehicle stickers by 2026/27, introducing fairer allocations for residents and tenants, with interim free pass improvements effective immediately. - Thurra river bridge finally reopens after five-year delay, fueling local frustration and renewed criticism
The Thurra River Bridge has reopened after five and a half years, prompting relief and anger, with MP Tim Bull criticising prolonged delays, economic impacts, and unfinished fire recovery projects across East Gippsland. - Darren Chester congratulates Hillywood Tree Nursery on expanding Gippsland-grown business with new online store
Hillywood Tree Nursery in Briagolong has launched an online store, expanding access to Gippsland-grown plants. Darren Chester praised owner Ed Mosley for fostering innovation, sustainability, and local job growth in horticulture. - Season’s greetings to East Gippsland residents with wishes for a joyful Christmas and prosperous New Year
Wishing East Gippsland residents a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, with gratitude to service workers, reminders for festive safety, and hopes for connection, kindness, and a prosperous 2026. - Tim Bull criticises Labor government for mismanagement, volunteer cuts, and inadequate fuel reduction ahead of high-risk summer season
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull warns communities face extreme bushfire risk this summer due to Labor’s volunteer cuts, ageing CFA fleet, inadequate fuel reduction, and failure to implement Royal Commission recommendations. - Tim Bull criticises Minister Dimopoulos for dismissing G-Wagon concerns, warning Gippsland’s fire preparedness is reduced
Tim Bull criticises Environment Minister Dimopoulos for dismissing concerns about withdrawn G-Wagon firefighting vehicles, warning Gippsland faces reduced fire preparedness and urging clear answers before the upcoming fire season. - Tim Bull says kangaroo overpopulation devastates farms, with permits insufficient to protect crops and livelihoods
Gippsland farmers face severe crop damage from exploding kangaroo populations. MP Tim Bull urges urgent permit reforms to allow practical, case-by-case management, protecting livelihoods and ensuring ongoing food production. - East Gippsland Shire Council issues additional ferry passes for Raymond Island landowners and renters ahead of new system
East Gippsland Council will mail additional 2025/26 ferry passes to Raymond Island landowners and renters, ensuring fairness while developing a new sticker-based pass system launching August 2026. - Tim Bull highlights East Gippsland patients facing excessive dental wait times amid ongoing public system mismanagement concerns
East Gippsland patients face over 18-month waits for public dental care, with private dentists struggling under short voucher timelines and delayed government payments, highlighting systemic mismanagement, says Tim Bull. - Melina Bath urges Allan government to urgently address hazardous roadside vegetation threatening eastern Victoria communities
Nationals’ Melina Bath warns eastern Victoria communities face bushfire risks from overgrown roadside vegetation, urging Allan Government to implement slashing, controlled burning, and weed management to improve public safety. - Farmers demand urgent government action as pest animals surge across East Gippsland and Victoria
Farmers in East Gippsland and eastern Victoria face rising pest animal impacts, with ASAC urging coordinated government action, long-term funding and improved control measures to protect agriculture, livelihoods and communities. - Tim Bull trashes misused Treasurer’s Advance as Allan government wastes $9M on costly failed camping trial
The Allan government spent $9 million in emergency funds on a failed free-camping trial, creating "ghost bookings" and hurting local businesses, prompting Nationals MP Tim Bull to condemn the misuse and demand accountability. - Melina Bath slams Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for ignoring Gippsland farmers' struggles under Labor's tax regime
Melina Bath criticised Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for refusing to advocate for Gippsland farmers, citing VFF survey results showing overwhelming concern over new taxes and Labor's disregard for regional agriculture. - Peri-Urban Councils warn residents stranded, demand urgent investment in reliable public transport infrastructure
Peri Urban Councils Victoria warns fast-growing communities face car dependency due to poor public transport, urging government investment in reliable, frequent buses, better timetables, and long-term integrated transport planning. - Darren Chester prioritises national food and fibre security, supporting farmers, fisheries, forestry and local industry resilience through strategy
New Shadow Minister Darren Chester will prioritise national food and fibre security, supporting farmers, fishers, forestry, and local communities through strategic investments, policy reforms, and protection of prime agricultural land. - Tim Bull says Health Minister Thomas will only consider the fully prepared Buchan project alongside other priorities
The Allan Labor government has refused funding for the new $6.5 million Buchan Bush Nursing Centre, leaving the ready-to-build project and vital rural healthcare services in limbo, says Tim Bull. - East Gippsland Mayor Jodie Ashworth urges vigilance, community support and preparedness during recent extreme heat and bushfire risks
East Gippsland Mayor acknowledges recent extreme heat, commends community responses, urges vigilance, bushfire preparedness, checking on vulnerable people, accessing support services, and using Vic Emergency app and Emergency Dashboard. - Omeo Mountain Bike Park officially opens 5 December , boosting tourism, economy, and year-round adventure opportunities
Omeo’s new mountain bike park officially opens December 5, creating a year-round adventure destination, boosting tourism, supporting the local economy, and celebrating community collaboration with a full weekend of events. - David Littleproud urges Australians to support local farmers amid rising imported food and supermarket pressures
Nationals Leader David Littleproud urges Australians to buy local food as farmers face soaring costs, supermarket pressures, and rising imports, warning inaction threatens food security and the future of Australian agriculture. - Wellington Shire Council offers free green waste disposal to help residents reduce fire hazards this season
Wellington Shire Council is urging property owners, particularly in coastal communities, to prepare for the fire danger period by taking advantage of its Fire Ready No-Fee Green Waste Disposal program. - Bass Coast Council releases Draft Budget 2026-27, inviting community feedback until 8 May 2026
Bass Coast Shire Council released its Draft Budget 2026-27 for consultation, outlining services and infrastructure plans, with community feedback sessions scheduled and submissions open until May 8, 2026. - Livingstone Park Omeo spillway and bridge works begin, improving flood resilience, access and environment on 20 April 2026
Construction of a new spillway and bridge at Omeo’s Livingstone Park begins 20 April, improving flood resilience, safety, access, and environmental protection, with completion expected by late June. - Danny O'Brien says Gippsland roads among state's most dangerous after years of neglect under Allan Labor government
Danny O'Brien says new AusRAP data shows many Gippsland roads are unsafe after years of Labor neglect, criticising the government for lowering speed limits instead of properly fixing deteriorating roads. - Stewart Road Bridge reconstruction in Kernot progresses with $2.35M tender awarded, restoring safe local access
Bass Coast Shire Council has awarded a $2.35 million tender to rebuild Stewart Road Bridge, restoring safe access, supporting emergency services, and increasing load capacity to 44 tonnes. - Latrobe City Council launches Action Plan to simplify fees, processes, and communications for easier local businesses to grow
Latrobe City Council’s new Action Plan simplifies fees, processes, and communications, making it easier for local businesses to operate, improve coordination, and support small businesses while driving economic growth. - South Gippsland Shire Council celebrates major project milestones and strong financial performance, and achievements in 2024/25 Annual Report
South Gippsland Shire Council's 2024/25 Annual Report highlights major infrastructure projects, strong financial management, expanded community services, and full achievement of Council Plan initiatives across the past 12 months. - South Gippsland Shire Council celebrates major project milestones and strong financial performance, and achievements in 2024/25 Annual Report
South Gippsland Shire Council's 2024/25 Annual Report highlights major infrastructure projects, strong financial management, expanded community services, and full achievement of Council Plan initiatives across the past 12 months.
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