Strathbogie Shire Council has joined a growing number of regional councils voicing concern about the ESVF, with fears that people may think the levy is being imposed by council.
The new levy will be collected through council rates notices, and a statement from council said it would result in a significant increase in charges for many ratepayers - particularly those in rural and agricultural areas.
Under the proposal, the levy rate will increase from 8.7 to 17.3 cents per $1,000 of a property’s capital improved value, allowing the state to raise an estimated $2.1 billion more than the current fire levy.
Strathbogie Shire mayor Claire Ewart-Kennedy said council had been blindsided by the announcement in December, with no consultation from the State Government prior to the proposal’s public release.
She said the levy was an unjust and disproportionate hit on rural communities such as the Strathbogie Shire's.
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“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 or triple their rates.
“The reality is that this tax amounts to a double charge on the very people who volunteer their time - and pay for their own fuel - to protect our community during disasters.
“These volunteers are now being hit with a levy for the very service they provide out of goodwill.
“It makes no sense whatsoever.”
Cr Ewart-Kennedy said she could not, in good conscience, accept this unjust tax on the community without speaking out against it.
She also raised concern about the lack of clarity around proposed exemptions for emergency services volunteers and the added administrative burden that would fall on council staff and systems.
“The state is shifting both cost and responsibility onto local government, without any support or detail about how exemptions will be applied or resourced,” she said.
“This also risks confusion in the community - many residents may mistakenly believe this is a council charge.”
Cr Ewart-Kennedy said Strathbogie Shire Council will continue to advocate through Rural Councils Victoria, the Municipal Association of Victoria, and directly to government to protect the interests of its ratepayers and ensure fair treatment for rural communities
