Moyne Shire Council has shared its concerns over the Victorian Government’s proposed Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund Levy.
The Council says there are increasing fears that rural communities and those supporting agriculture will be disproportionately burdened at a time of significant cost-of-living, cost of doing business and prolonged drought pressures, along with recent bushfires.
At its Ordinary Council Meeting last month, Councillors endorsed a motion to the Municipal Association of Victoria outlining their concerns with the levy.
Mayor, Karen Foster said Council today has resolved to contact the State Government to request a reassessment of the levy.
“The proposed levy does not seem to accord with the rating principles of equity, efficiency, benefit and capacity to pay,” said Mayor Foster.
“We can see that people are already doing it tough. For example, overdue rate payments to Council have increased by more than 60% over the last two years despite rate capping.
“Council is particularly concerned about the impact on farmers and other rural businesses who will feel the impact of this levy profoundly.”
“To what extent has the original intent of the existing Fire Services Levy been retained within this proposed change?
“If implemented, this significant change presents additional and complex duties upon local government, which Council is not resourced to do.
“Council encourages the State Government to hear the message from Moyne Shire, in particular our rural communities, and consider significant revisions to the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund Levy proposed changes,” the Mayor said.
