Mildura Rural City Council has added its voice to widespread condemnation of the Victorian Government’s Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund (ESVF) levy at last week’s Municipal Association of Victoria State Conference.
It follows the passing of the Victorian Government’s ESVF legislation through the Upper house during the week.
The Fund replaces the Fire Services Levy and is an annual charge imposed by the Victorian government on all Victorian properties.
Mildura Mayor Helen Healy and CEO Martin Hawson joined representatives from Victorian Local Government areas at the conference, where 44 motions were listed for consideration.
“There were numerous resolutions put up with recommendations across a whole range of issues, but the number one on the list was expressing our disgust and strong opposition to the new fund,” Cr Healy said.
“This new fund will rip $12.4 million out of our community each year, a staggering increase of more than $4 million over the previous Fire Services Levy.”
Victorian Councils are bound to collect this levy on behalf of the government, which is reflected in the rates notices property-owners receive.
Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, has also launched a scathing attack on the Allan Government for pushing through what she describes as a “sneaky, insidious cash grab,” condemning the new emergency services levy as a betrayal of Victoria’s rural communities.
The CFA has acknowledged that they have had a number of brigades reporting unavailability due to crewing issues.
The Victorian Government has announced that a rebate will apply to all eligible CFA operational and support volunteer members and CFA says they will be working with their members to ensure that they are able to seek the information they need to apply for the rebate.
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