Call for farm rate freeze
AFTER dealing with the impact of catastrophic bushfires, years of drought and now the pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic, our farmers need some certainty.
In recent years, massive increases to farm rates in some local government areas have pushed up farmers’ rates burden by tens of thousands of dollars.
With many councils now having released draft budgets, it seems our farmers will again be shouldering an increasingly heavy burden.
I again call on the state government to put a freeze on all rates categories this financial year to help to build confidence and ease the squeeze on farm budgets.
In a year where many councils have also taken a massive hit from the impact of bushfires and the coronavirus, the Andrews Government must also play its part.
By helping councils cover any loss in revenue, it will ensure the important role of councils can continue uninterrupted during these difficult times.
Many Victorians are doing it tough this year.
A massive rates hike is the last pressure they can afford to shoulder.
Peter Walsh
Leader of The Nationals
Member for Murray Plains
