We’ve expressed serious concern following reports the Victorian Government is considering scrapping the existing council rate capping framework.
VFF President Ryan Milgate said any move to remove the cap would place even greater financial pressure on farming businesses already grappling with rising costs.
“Reports that the Victorian Government is considering a move to scrap the existing council rate cap framework will set off alarms bells for farmers and rural landholders.”
“Farm businesses already pay far beyond their fair share when it comes to rates and any rise will only place more pressure on farmers already facing rising input costs, higher taxes and skyrocketing financial pressures.”
“The government must learn from the disastrous Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund and talk to us before launching another sneak tax grab on an industry that simply can’t absorb more financial hits.”
The VFF said any changes to the rate capping framework must be subject to genuine consultation with farmers and other significant ratepayers before any decisions are made.