A new Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) charge is appearing on Victorian rates notices for the first time, replacing the Fire Services Property Levy from July 1. Councils are legally required to collect the tax, which the State Government says will fund services including CFA, SES, and Triple-0. However, farmers and CFA volunteers warn it unfairly hits regional communities, with some facing steep rate rises.
Protests have already been held in Melbourne and Bendigo, with another rally set for Bendigo on September 14. Anger has also spilled into recent demonstrations in Ballarat over energy transmission laws and proposed renewable energy zones, including one Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) proposed between Shepparton East and Benalla.
The protest follows the Victorian Farmers Federation’s State of the State: Farmer Priorities Survey, which found nine in 10 farmers lack trust in the State Government and believe it neither understands regional issues nor has a clear plan to support agriculture.
