In a press release which has since been taken down from its website, the VFF named Mitchell as one of five rate hike offenders, revealing analysis that the shire has seen an 8.62 per cent change in average farm rates.
While recognising the validity of the concerns, council notes that the VFF’s recent report relates solely to rural agricultural land of 40ha to 100ha, rather than the full extent of rural categories within the shire.
Across all categories in Mitchell, rates in the dollar have increased by 3.9 per cent, with the exception of subdivisional land, which increased by 8.2 per cent.
The overall amount set to be collected from rural agricultural land of 40ha to 100ha would increase by 5.7 per cent, council said.
Overall rates income across all categories has seen a seven per cent increase, which includes supplementary rates and new properties.
Council said this remained within the Victorian Government’s rate cap, which it continues to apply.
In the VFF press release, which was published on Wednesday, July 2, VFF president Brett Hosking said farmers across the state were facing unfair rate hikes, which had come in a time of already tough financial conditions.
“We won’t stand idle and watch the burden of funding key services rely more and more on the agricultural sector,” Mr Hosking said.
“From rates to the fundamentally wrong Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund, farmers are wondering when the financial hits will stop.
“When you’ve got one group of taxpayers in some cases facing double-digit rate increases and little to no increase for others in the same area, there can be no doubt the system is flawed.”
Council notes that valuation changes, rather than council discretion, are the primary driver of rate increases, and agricultural land continues to receive a 10 to 20 per cent discount on the general land rate, as outlined in its Rating and Revenue Plan.
The number of rateable assessments in the Mitchell Shire had increased by only one, council said, and overall property valuations had risen by 3.7 per cent, with some categories, such as vacant land, seeing a decrease.
Mitchell Shire Mayor John Dougall said the 2025-26 budget reflected council’s commitment to a more connected, sustainable and thriving community.
“We understand the financial pressures faced by residents and businesses in our shire, especially with the new levy,” Cr Dougall said.
“This budget balances immediate needs with long-term goals, ensuring we continue to provide the services our community relies on while planning for future growth.
“This is the first budget of the new council and we have approached it with empathy for the challenges our community faces.
“This budget reflects the commitment to tackling these challenges head-on while continuing to invest in our community’s future.”
Council said it did not target any specific class of land, and the same rating methodology had been applied consistently year-on-year.
Council welcomes discussion with the VFF and the farming community, as well as other concerned residents.
For further information, ratepayers are encouraged to contact council directly on 5734 6200 or by emailing mitchell@mitchellshire.vic.gov.au
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