Published on 19 May 2025
West Wimmera Shire Council is calling out the State Government over a new levy that would slug rural ratepayers with steep increases of over 100% in most shires.
In a formal letter to the Premier and Minister for Local Government, Council has demanded a full review of the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) collection process.
The new system replaces the Fire Services Property Levy from 1 July 2025 — and places an unfair burden on rural communities and councils.
Mayor Tim Meyer said the levy shift is unacceptable. “We see this as an attack on the very volunteers who do what they do because they care for their communities. This comes from a government that clearly does not care.”
Council is urging the State Government to take back responsibility for collecting the levy, instead of forcing local councils to do the dirty work.
West Wimmera Shire Council will continue advocating for a fairer, more transparent approach that protects residents and local emergency services. Mayor Tim Meyer is on his way to Melbourne to continue to lobby against this unacceptable levy that would put an unfair burden on rural communities and councils.