Tim Bach

New Emergency Services Levy to Impact Hepburn Shire Ratepayers

The Victorian Government has legislated a new Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF), set to take effect from 1 July 2025. This levy will replace the current Fire Services Property Levy (FSPL). For rate payers in Hepburn Shire, the increase comes hard on the heels of a10% increase in rates approved last week by the Essential Services Commission.

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Daylesford-Hepburn Property Market Shows Signs of Stabilising After Pandemic Surge

After several years of volatile growth, new data suggests the property markets in Daylesford and Hepburn Springs may be entering a phase of stabilisation. The COVID-era migration from metropolitan areas and a sharp increase in demand for regional properties fuelled unrealistic market expectations. Conditions have cooled and several newly introduced property-related taxes have subdued investor interest, particularly in the holiday rental segment which was once a major driver of local property demand.

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