‘Name and shame’ rate notices for fire levy

RCV has produced a rates notice template to help councils clearly show ratepayers which charges are Victorian Government requirements.

In the template — which has been developed with input from individual member councils — a new red box is used to signify Victorian Government-imposed charges.

The demonstration notice also includes words plainly explaining what the ESVF is.

RCV chair Rob Amos said the ESVF was expected to rip tens of millions of dollars out of rural municipalities alone, though the Victorian Government has announced a series of exemptions for drought-affected zones.

“This is a rotten tax that should be scrapped. Rural Councils Victoria will keep pushing for the ESVF’s repeal,” Cr Amos, from Campaspe Shire Council, said.

“In the meantime, we want everybody to know just how much the Victorian Government is slugging them.

“It’s disappointing the Victorian Government is forcing councils to collect this unjust tax on its behalf.”

Individual councils are responsible for the final design of their rates notices.