Murrindindi Shire Council has unanimously passed an urgent motion at its 28 May 2025 Scheduled Meeting, in response to ongoing community concern about the State Government's introduction of the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) levy and following the release of legal advice received by the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV). Council acknowledges the significant cost-of-living impact this new state tax will have on households, businesses and rural landowners.
The motion highlights Council's legal obligation to collect the levy as part of annual rates and the need to inform our community that unpaid ESVF charges will contribute to property rates debt. This isn't something Council can waive or avoid, and it's important the public understands the real financial implications.
Legal advice shared this week by the MAV with councils across Victoria, confirms that councils are required to collect the ESVF as part of annual rates and charges and must proportionally allocate payments that do not cover the full amount. Councils are also legally prevented from issuing separate rate notices for the ESVF.
Council also resolved to write to the Treasurer, The Hon. Jaclyn Symes MP, requesting that the ESVF levy for primary producers in Murrindindi Shire be capped at the 2024–25 Fire Services Property Levy level for the 2025–26 year, in recognition of the severe drought conditions and the significant financial hardship that our farmers are experiencing.
In presenting the urgent business to Council, Deputy Mayor, Cr Anita Carr, said, "Small to medium farms, often spread across multiple titles, are facing significant increases with little ability to absorb the cost," "The limited exemption for volunteers on their primary place of residence doesn't go far enough. We need a fairer model – one that supports our emergency services without compromising the future of rural communities."
Council remains deeply concerned about the way this new State Government levy has been implemented, particularly the pressure it places on rural communities.
"We all rely on emergency services, and we absolutely support the need to resource them properly," said Mayor Damien Gallagher. "But this levy shifts a state taxation burden onto local government and places an unfair financial load on our communities already doing it tough. Farmers across Murrindindi are dealing with prolonged dry conditions and skyrocketing operating costs, small businesses and individuals are already facing land tax increases, while young people and the elderly alike are facing cost of living challenges, so this additional levy is poorly timed and poorly targeted."
Council will continue to advocate strongly for a more equitable and sustainable approach to funding emergency services.
