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Bass Coast Council unites with the opposition against state's Emergency Services Levy, citing unfair burden on community

Bass Coast Shire Council opposes the state's Emergency Services Levy, citing unfair financial impacts on residents, farmers, and businesses, and calls for its immediate repeal and genuine community consultation.

By news@gippsland - 18th June 2025 - Back to News

Bass Coast Shire Councillors have unanimously voted to take a strong and united stand against the state government's Emergency Services Volunteer Fund (ESVF), passing a motion at the June Council Meeting to:

• Reiterate the concerns and objections raised in council's 21 May resolution, particularly around the significant financial burden the levy will place on Bass Coast ratepayers
• Highlight the unfair and inequitable impact the levy will have on the shire's farming, commercial and industrial sectors
• Call on the state government to listen to the community and immediately repeal the implementation of the Emergency Services Volunteer Fund Levy (Bill)

Bass Coast Shire Council unanimously opposes the State's Emergency Services Levy, citing unfair costs and calling for its repeal

Unfair levy impact

Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Rochelle Halstead said even with the 12-month pause for primary producers, the ESVF will still result in an estimated $4.5 million increase in charges collected from Bass Coast ratepayers, a 43 per cent rise compared to the previous Fire Services Property Levy.

"This is an unreasonable hit to our community. The burden is being unfairly shifted to local residents, farmers, and business owners without proper consultation. Council is united in saying this is not acceptable," Cr Halstead said.

Levy hike protested

The increases include:

• Residential ratepayers: from 8.7c to 17.3c per $1,000 of Capital Improved Value (CIV)
• Commercial ratepayers: from 66.4c to 133c per $1,000 CIV
• Industrial ratepayers: from 81.1c to 133c per $1,000 CIV

Cr Brett Tessari, who brought the motion forward, said council is echoing the voice of the community and standing alongside other regional councils, like Loddon Shire, who are also demanding the state government reconsider this flawed approach.

"While we fully support our emergency services volunteers, this levy is excessive, inequitable and poorly designed. The pause on increased charges for primary producers is welcome, but it doesn't go far enough, it still leaves a huge burden on the rest of our community," Cr Tessari said.

Call for fairness

Council also voiced its concern about being tasked with collecting a state-imposed charge, warning of the administrative and reputational consequences it brings at the local level. "Council should not be put in the position of administering a deeply unpopular state tax. We urge the Government to go back to the drawing board and work with communities to find a fairer, more transparent way to fund these essential services," Cr Halstead said.

Council will continue to advocate through regional networks and directly with the state government to protect the financial wellbeing of Bass Coast residents and businesses. For media enquiries or request, please contact me directly or email communications@basscoast.vic.gov.au

Pictures from Bass Coast Shire Council Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com