GREATER Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM said council was extremely disappointed to hear Labor and The Greens have ignored the voice of the community and passed the ESVF.
“I understand the Victorian Government is looking to balance its budget, however, raising a new tax while our community is in the middle of an extreme cost of living crisis is no way to achieve this,” Mr Kontelj said.
“Families, farmers and businesses in our community will be pushed to the wall by this increase, which will see the state collect over $55 million from our ratepayers in 2025 – 26, up from just under $37 million in 2024 -25.
“That’s an increase of over 50 per cent.
“We wrote to the Victorian Government and lobbied Upper House Members to convince them to ditch this new tax, but they refused to listen and consult.
“They have no mandate or support for this, especially when it was opposed by every Victorian council, the Country Fire Authority, Victorian Farmers’ Federation and the majority of the community, particularly farmers who will be particularly badly hit.
“I was also disappointed to learn that Upper House MP Sarah Mansfield of The Greens voted to support the legislation, despite the recent meeting with six local councils who all opposed this.
“As a former Greater Geelong Councillor, I had hoped she would stand up for ratepayers in opposing this levy.
“We don’t want to collect the Government’s unfair and unjustified new tax, but we are bound by the new law, so we will ensure that all ratepayers are fully informed about why their levy has soared when rates notices are sent out.
“Analysis by the City reveals that the levy will cost residential ratepayers an extra $80 per year on average as a result of this legislation, and many people will pay significantly more.
“Primary producers paid an average of $1,145 for the fire service levy in 2024-25, and under the ESVF, will be charged $2,521.
“This is an increase of more than $1,300 for the average farmer and some will face bills as high as $40,000.
“This will force the closure of some businesses and farms which is not acceptable.
“I urge all community members to contact their state MPs to make their feelings known, and I hope this legislation will be overturned.”