The new levy is set to be collected through council rate notices.
Under the proposal, the levy rate will increase from 8.7 to 17.3 cents per $1000 of a property’s capital improved value, which will garner an estimated $2.1 billion more than the current Fire Services Property Levy (FSPL).
Strathbogie Shire Mayor Claire Ewart-Kennedy said the Victorian Government failed to consult councils prior to the proposal’s public release.
“This is not a council-imposed charge - it’s a State Government tax that we’re being asked to collect on their behalf,” Cr Ewart-Kennedy said.
“It’s incredibly disappointing that such a significant change was made without engaging local government or considering the financial impact on our ratepayers.
“Our farmers, families and small business owners are already doing it tough with soaring cost-of-living pressures - and now they’re being asked to carry the weight of a levy that could double their rates.”
Council suggested the following estimated increases will come as a result of the ESVF:
- Residential properties valued at $750,000 could pay around 99 per cent more
- Commercial and industrial properties may face 34 to 100 per cent increases
- Primary producers could see a 189 per cent increase
Council is now calling on the Victorian Government to abandon the proposed ESVF legislation or remove the requirement for councils to collect the levy on behalf of the them, with the State Revenue Office instead taking on this role.
“We stand alongside other rural communities, in urging the government to reconsider this unfair and poorly communicated policy,” Mayor Ewart-Kennedy said.
“Strathbogie residents already do their fair share to support emergency services - this new levy will hit the where it hurts most.”
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