ADVERTISEMENT A united message from Corangamite Shire Council to Premier Jacinta Allan. This open letter voices the united concerns of Corangamite Shire Council regarding the Emergency Services Volunteer Fund Levy. We encourage the Premier and all Members of Parliament to read this open letter to understand the effect this levy will have on rural communities. CORANGAMITE SHIRE Emergency Services Levy Punishes Rural Communities To the Hon. Jacinta Allan MP, Premier of Victoria The passage of the Emergency Services Volunteer Fund (ESVF) Levy by your Government is a detrimental blow to rural communities like ours. The State Government has lauded this levy as a funding boost for emergency services. But let us call it what it really is: a tax hike on rural families, businesses, and landowners, dressed up as a gift to emergency services. Corangamite Shire's residents - already grappling with crippling drought, bushfire recovery, cost-of-living pressures, and a mental health crisis - are now expected to pay almost $8 million under this new levy. Though there may be a partial exemption for 12-months for primary producers, many farmers will ultimately see their charges more than double in comparison to the Fire Service Property Levy. Some will be ruined because of this. This levy is also a contradiction to the State's Agriculture Strategy where your government committed to "support Victorian producers to be more profitable..[and] create the right conditions and opportunities for investment here in Victoria.' Profitability, productivity and competitiveness of the sector will be eroded because of this levy and investors will look elsewhere. And for what? There is no guarantee that the money raised will be spent in the communities where it is collected, like other levies councils have been forced to collect. It could just as easily be redirected to Melbourne while we are left footing the bill. We have made multiple representations to the Treasurer and your Ministers over the past six months - through formal letters and face-to-face meetings. Our concerns have been ignored and our communities have been treated as expendable. Now the levy is in place communities will blame councils once rate notices are issued. Councils are not tax collectors for the State Government. This levy should be immediately revoked and emergency services funded by the state's general revenue like other government services. Why should this be any different? We wholeheartedly support emergency services. We deeply value our volunteers. But this levy introduced by your government is inequitable, shows a lack of empathy and punishes the very people who keep our communities safe and economy viable - the farmers, small business owners and families who are already doing it tough. Premier, this levy is a blatant betrayal and you have not listened to Rural Victorians who deserve respect, not punishment. We urge you to listen and meet with us to discuss this important matter face-to-face. Signed, Cr Kate Makin, Mayor - Lake Elingamite Ward Cr Jo Beard - Tandarook Ward Cr Geraldine Conheady - Lake Keilambete Ward Cr Jamie Vogels - Cooriemungle Ward Cr Laurie Hickey, Deputy Mayor - Leura Ward Cr Nicholas Cole - Mt Elephant Ward Cr Ruth Gstrein - Gnotuk Ward ADVERTISEMENT A united message from Corangamite Shire Council to Premier Jacinta Allan . This open letter voices the united concerns of Corangamite Shire Council regarding the Emergency Services Volunteer Fund Levy . We encourage the Premier and all Members of Parliament to read this open letter to understand the effect this levy will have on rural communities . CORANGAMITE SHIRE Emergency Services Levy Punishes Rural Communities To the Hon . Jacinta Allan MP , Premier of Victoria The passage of the Emergency Services Volunteer Fund ( ESVF ) Levy by your Government is a detrimental blow to rural communities like ours . The State Government has lauded this levy as a funding boost for emergency services . But let us call it what it really is : a tax hike on rural families , businesses , and landowners , dressed up as a gift to emergency services . Corangamite Shire's residents - already grappling with crippling drought , bushfire recovery , cost - of - living pressures , and a mental health crisis - are now expected to pay almost $ 8 million under this new levy . Though there may be a partial exemption for 12 - months for primary producers , many farmers will ultimately see their charges more than double in comparison to the Fire Service Property Levy . Some will be ruined because of this . This levy is also a contradiction to the State's Agriculture Strategy where your government committed to " support Victorian producers to be more profitable .. [ and ] create the right conditions and opportunities for investment here in Victoria . ' Profitability , productivity and competitiveness of the sector will be eroded because of this levy and investors will look elsewhere . And for what ? There is no guarantee that the money raised will be spent in the communities where it is collected , like other levies councils have been forced to collect . It could just as easily be redirected to Melbourne while we are left footing the bill . We have made multiple representations to the Treasurer and your Ministers over the past six months - through formal letters and face - to - face meetings . Our concerns have been ignored and our communities have been treated as expendable . Now the levy is in place communities will blame councils once rate notices are issued . Councils are not tax collectors for the State Government . This levy should be immediately revoked and emergency services funded by the state's general revenue like other government services . Why should this be any different ? We wholeheartedly support emergency services . We deeply value our volunteers . But this levy introduced by your government is inequitable , shows a lack of empathy and punishes the very people who keep our communities safe and economy viable - the farmers , small business owners and families who are already doing it tough . Premier , this levy is a blatant betrayal and you have not listened to Rural Victorians who deserve respect , not punishment . We urge you to listen and meet with us to discuss this important matter face - to - face . Signed , Cr Kate Makin , Mayor - Lake Elingamite Ward Cr Jo Beard - Tandarook Ward Cr Geraldine Conheady - Lake Keilambete Ward Cr Jamie Vogels - Cooriemungle Ward Cr Laurie Hickey , Deputy Mayor - Leura Ward Cr Nicholas Cole - Mt Elephant Ward Cr Ruth Gstrein - Gnotuk Ward