LOCAL ratepayers will receive their annual rates notice from Council this August amidst much controversy and Council fears backlash.
The notice will include the State Government’s new and increased Emergency Services Volunteer Fund Levy – previously the Fire Services Levy.
Under the controversial revamped tax, amounts will double for homeowners, triple for farmers and more than triple for commercial and industrial properties.
Councils are furious at having to collect the hefty tax on behalf of the State Government, with no say over how the money – estimated to be $3 billion over three years – will be spent.
A community alliance called Not In Our Name are opposed to the tax and coordinated a conference on Saturday, July 26, where 30 mayors and councillors representing 22 Victorian councils met in Melbourne.
Two major actions came out of the meeting.
“We’ve set up a working group of nine councils, three from rural, three from regional, three from metro, that’ll help to coordinate a unified campaign across councils,” explained Nathan Murphy, Not in
Our Name committee member and San Remo local.
“Firstly, calling for a moratorium on the tax, and secondly, to have a public inquiry on the tax.”
Bass Coast Shire Councillor Meg Edwards attended the event.
“It’s something I feel is important. It’s important to learn from other councilors in the state, and to show your support. I’m not for the tax obviously, so it’s putting into action my words,” said Cr Meg Edwards.
“The government will collect the rates in total, including the emergency services tax, from the council, regardless of whether individuals pay it or not, the council is still liable for the tax. So, it’s not an option for us not to pay it.
“I will be raising a motion at the next council meeting. I will have a motion going to that council meeting for it to be taken to the MAV (Municipal Association of Victoria) conference, which I’m not a delegate for, but I would like our delegate, who is the mayor, to take this motion to MAV.”
Cr Edwards is also organising another rally against the ESVF to be held at the Wonthaggi Workmen’s Club on Tuesday, August 19 at 7pm.
Bev McArthur, the Shadow Minister for Local Government, will be speaking at the event, as well as Nathan Murphy from the United Firefighters Union. The Minister for Local Government will also be invited to attend.
Cr Edwards said that the event is for anyone who is upset about the ESVF, which will be itemised on their rates notice.
“Anybody who’s concerned about their rates notice and the impact of extra taxes, they would be very welcome to come along. They might like to attend, have their voices heard and learn what they can do about it.”
