Hepburn Shire Mayor Cr Don Henderson has welcomed the State Government’s temporary reprieve on the controversial Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund levy but says the measure does not go far enough to address long-standing concerns about fairness for rural communities.
“This is only a short-term fix to a broader issue,” Cr Henderson said. “Farmers and regional landholders continue to bear an unfair financial burden under the current levy system.”
The levy has drawn widespread criticism for disproportionately impacting rural landowners, particularly primary producers. Council has raised concerns that the current model fails to take into account land size, usage or income capacity, resulting in significantly higher costs for farming properties.
With rural communities already facing ongoing drought conditions and rising operational costs, Cr Henderson said the levy is adding further pressure to those least able to absorb it.
Council has previously written to the Treasurer and the Minister for Local Government, and Cr Henderson confirmed that a letter will also be sent to the Premier, calling for a comprehensive review and the development of a fairer, long-term funding model.
“Council will continue to advocate for a permanent, more equitable solution,” Cr Henderson said.
This article is based on a media release from Hepburn Shire Council.
