June 7th, 2025Hepburn Shire mayor statement on levy reprieve

Hepburn Shire Council mayor Don Henderson has issued a statement following the state government’s recent temporary backdown on the controversial emergency services levy (Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund).

In a statement Cr Henderson said:

“While we welcome the temporary reprieve announced by the State Government regarding the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund, it remains only a short-term fix to a broader issue that continues to place farmers at an unfair disadvantage.

“We urge the State Government to urgently carry out a full review of the levy and implement a permanent, more equitable solution. Farmers are already under significant pressure due to ongoing drought conditions and rising operational costs.

“Council has previously written to both the Treasurer and the Minister for Local Government to express our concern that the levy places a disproportionate financial burden on rural and regional communities like ours, particularly on our primary producers. We will also be writing to the Premier.”

The council has confirmed that it will continue to advocate for a permanent review of the levy.