Shire farm rate survey closes today

A farm rate survey that will determine property owners’ eligibility for a 10 per cent rate discount will close today.

Baw Baw Shire Council is encouraging farm rated property owners to complete the survey that will help council to assess and determine which properties are eligible for the farm rate differential.

Council has liaised with the Victorian Farmers Federation in putting together the survey that aims to assist council to better understand the farming activities occurring across the shire.

The survey is used by council to gather essential information on each property that currently receives a discounted farm rate.

The information assists council in making decisions regarding application of this differential farm and identify properties that should be classed as single farm enterprises and should receive the reduced fire services levy.

The last survey was conducted in 2007. The survey was distributed to 3470 properties in July last year.

Property owners were originally asked to return surveys by the end of September, but council extended the deadline to today.

As of May 21, 81 per cent, or 2828 of surveys had been returns.

Council sent reminders to 539 property owners informing them if they do not return the survey, their properties will revert to the general rate.

Two per cent (80 properties) advised voluntarily they were not eligible for the discounted farm rate and would revert to the general rate.

About 500 properties were identified for consolidation, which represents further savings for these owners. The saving is based on the fire services levy.

The process also recorded 23 new owners since the review began.

Nineteen properties have been identified as single farm enterprises with other municipalities. A single farm enterprise helps to determine the fire services levies. It relates to more than one property being utilised for the same farming entity, such as farms receiving more than one rates notice for properties used as one farm, sometimes in different municipalities.

The survey also allows council to better understand what type of farming activities are undertaken in the shire and allows for better planning and assistance in times of crisis, such as the recent dairy crisis.

There are currently almost 3000 farm classified properties, representing 20 per cent of the rate base. Farm rates properties contribute $9.6 million in rate revenue to council each year.

Eligibility for the farm rate is not determined by the zoning of the land under the Baw Baw Planning Scheme. The fact the property is zoned “rural” does not mean that it will be eligible for the farm rate.

Council has encouraged owners of farm properties to complete the survey and return it to council by today.

Council said on an equity basis, owners that have not complied with the survey by the closing deadline will be reverted to the general rate.