STATEWIDE: 12-month levy rise pause for farmers
Residents must still pay the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund levy, but farmers will be given a 12-month pause, according to a statement issued by State Treasurer Jaclyn Symes on Friday (May 30).
The Government earlier announced that farmers in 24 drought-impacted local government areas would pay a reduced Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund contribution – capped to the same amount they paid in 2024-25.
This will now be extended to all primary production properties – so farmers can focus fully on their drought response and recovery.
“This will mean the ESVF variable rate on primary production properties will remain at 28.7 – the same as it was in 2024-25 – for the duration of the 2025-26 financial year,” said a State Government statement.
“ This reduced rate will be applied to rates notices for primary production properties automatically.
“The Labor Government will deliver a further package of support in the coming weeks – informed by a dedicated new Drought Response Taskforce.”
The first meeting will be held ths week, with a further package of support to be delivered as soon as possible.
Pictured: Treasurer Jaclyn Symes with Premier Jacinta Allan