Swan Hill Rural City Council is standing up for local residents, farmers and pensioners in raising serious concerns about the proposed Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) and its impact on local governments and rural communities.
Mayor Cr Stuart King warned that the proposed transition from Fire Services Property Levy (FSPL) to the ESVF by 1 July 2025 is not suitable to our regional areas, in its current form and requires an urgent review.
"While the ESVF proposal has been introduced to Parliament, it has not yet been passed, and we urge decision-makers to carefully consider the unintended consequences this would have on rural communities," Cr King said.
"For many households already grappling with cost-of-living pressures, this change could lead to confusion, frustration, and an increase in unpaid rates—particularly among pensioners, rural landholders, and those doing it tough.
"Primary production properties will see a 125% increase in charges, which is unsustainable for many. With farmers and country communities already battling rising costs, piling on a new tax is not just unfair—it's a cruel and reckless burden they can't afford. Particularly when these are in fact, the very same people out there when emergencies happen, protecting lives and properties," Cr King said.
Cr King said the increased costs would not only impact individuals but could also flow on to the wider economy.
"This levy could drive up the cost of fruit, vegetables, and meat across the state—hitting households at a time when many are already struggling with rising living costs," he added.
Cr King also raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the proposed model, which would see a state-imposed charge collected via local government.
"This shift would place a major financial strain on councils, yet there is no state funding to support its administration. Ratepayers may see this as a council-imposed rate increase, leading to more objections and putting added pressure on our council staff.
"A state tax, charged through local government, is not transparent to the average person who pays their rates, and will lead to confusion and frustration among ratepayers," Cr King said.
Cr King said the Council strongly supported concerns recently raised by Rural Councils Victoria (RCV), warning that the levy is poorly designed, inequitable, and unjustified.
Cr King said Council was calling on the Victorian Government to pause and reconsider this legislation and co-design a solution that ensures fairness for councils, farmers, and local communities.
Council will continue to work with RCV to advocate against the increased state levy, emphasising that the State Revenue Office (SRO) should be responsible for recovering these charges, not Local Government.
