Surf Coast Shire Council will call on the state government to abandon its proposed Emergency Services Volunteer Fund (ESVF) Bill and associated levy.
The decision to advocate against the bill resulted from a notice of motion put forward by councillor Joel Grist during the April 29 council meeting.
Cr Grist said the bill would significantly impact regional ratepayers and place an administrative burden on councils required to collect the levy.
“Rate payers will bear a disproportionate share of the cost of emergency services across both the Shire and the state,” he said.
“The administrative burdens and complexities introduced by the bill will also place an excessive strain on council staff while requiring substantial reconfiguration of council’s systems.
“The implementation of the ESVF represents a significant state tax reform that effectively doubles the levy, which will unduly impact regional ratepayers, particularly farmers, within our municipality.”
Cr Grist said changes from the existing Fire Services Property Levy, which the ESVF would replace, would also unfairly affect primary producers in the shire.
Mayor Mike Bodsworth said council would carry out its advocacy before May 12 and that it was important to stand up for better outcomes for the Surf Coast community.
“The levy would mean increased costs across all property types, but the biggest impact would be on our farmers,” he said.
“It would place an unfair and substantial burden on primary production landowners at a time when they’re already under financial pressure as a result of the drought.
“Not only will this method place a heavy strain on Council resources, it will no doubt also be seen by many ratepayers as a Council fee, resulting in reputational damage.”
