At Tuesday’s meeting, Swan Hill Rural City Council unanimously passed a motion opposing the Victorian Government’s new Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF).
Brought forward by Cr Lindsay Rogers, the motion reflects the anger and frustration felt by many across Swan Hill and surrounding rural communities.
“This is nothing more than an excessive tax grab targeting rural, honest working farming families and small businesses to plug the holes in the State’s budget. It undermines trust in local government by shifting the burden and backlash onto councils,” Cr Rogers said.
Council’s Mayor, Cr Stuart King said “Council stands in full solidarity with the many farmers, pensioners, and emergency services volunteers who rallied in Spring Street again today, united in their concern about the disproportionate impact this levy will have on regional communities already grappling with rising living costs.”
Swan Hill Council will now write to the Allan Government to formally express its strong opposition to the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) and urge its repeal.
To find out more go to https://www.swanhill.vic.gov.au/Our-Council/News-and-publications/News-and-public-notices/Council-Passes-Urgent-Motion-Opposing-New-State-Tax
Image: Swan Hill Rural City Council
