While the City of Yarra is calling for a council-led revolt, Cardinia Shire Council has ruled out joining any boycott or legal challenge against the controversial Emergency Services Levy.
City of Yarra Mayor Stephen Jolly has publicly advocated for a council-led revolt against the levy, including potential legal challenges and boycotts. The proposal is expected to be debated by Yarra councillors on June 17.
In contrast, Cardinia Shire Council welcomes the Victorian Government’s decision to hold the variable rate for primary production properties at 2024–25 levels for the coming financial year.
They previously expressed concerns about the impact the new Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) would have on the community and local farmers, following recent legislation passed in parliament.
“We’re pleased that the Victorian Government has listened to concerns from the community and the local government sector and has not increased the variable rate for primary production properties for the coming financial year,” Cardinia Shire Council’s Mayor Cr Jack Kowarzik said.
“As Council will be required to collect the levy on behalf of the Victorian Government through the annual rates notice, we are continuing to seek clarification from the government on the level of financial support it will provide to councils to administer the increased levy.
“We look forward to seeing what support will be provided to administer and collect this levy and to help us respond to increased community questions, concerns and enquiries.”
Mayor Kowarzik said Council would be responsible for collecting the levy on behalf of the State Government, and that it would appear in rates notices for the 2025–26 year.
“While this levy will be collected by Council on behalf of the State Government, we remind our community that this is not a Council charge,” he said.
“Even though State Government charges and Council charges are listed separately on our rates notices, payments made to Council are allocated equally across all charges, regardless of whether they are State or Council charges.”
Council reminds ratepayers that they do not have the option to select which charges on their rates notice they wish to pay or withhold. Council encourages members of the community to contact them if they are experiencing financial hardship.
