Rural Councils raise concerns over Emergency Service Levy

Concerns the increase in the new Emergency Services levy will hit farm budgets and hurt local businesses in areas including Victoria’s north-west.

Rural Councils Victoria says data shows the increase in the Swan Hill region will be 62 per cent from the old Fire Services Levy to the new Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund to be put forward by the State Government.

It says financial stress is among the leading drivers of poor farmer mental health.

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