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.”