Farmers wary on budgets

Victorian farmers have put local government on notice as councils prepare their draft budgets for 2020-21.

Victorian Farmers Federation president and Wimmera primary producer David Jochinke has written to rural and regional mayors across the state, warning them that Victorian farmers would strongly oppose any ‘unfair’ rate hikes.

“Victorian agriculture cannot be expected to shoulder an even greater rating burden as we work to help rebuild the state’s economy in the wake of COVID-19,” he said.

“The VFF will be vocal in calling out councils that unfairly shift the rating burden onto farmers and the agricultural sector, while acknowledging and publicly commending councils that strike balance in their rating strategy.”

Mr Jochinke said the federation was also encouraging councils to join farmers to lobby the State Government for changes to the rating system.

“Victoria’s rating system has created the situation whereby all regional and rural ratepayers pay more in rates as a percentage of the value of their property than ratepayers in metropolitan Melbourne,” he said.

“What’s more, regional and rural ratepayers often receive and have access to fewer services from local government than ratepayers in the city.

“Changes must be made to the state’s rating strategy in the long term and we would welcome the opportunity to work with councils to advocate for reform.”

Mr Jochinke stressed the VFF would be looking closely at council budgets this year.

“The VFF constantly monitors and reports on the rates set by all local government councils to promote fair rating strategies and to actively campaign against unfair and inequitable rate hikes,” he said.

“Our expectation remains that all councils will put forward a fair and equitable rating strategy this year, particularly in light of recent drought conditions, bushfires and the coronavirus pandemic.”