Dairy Farmers Victoria Calls for Urgent Rethink on New Fire Services Levy.

Dairy Farmers Victoria (DFV) has today expressed deep concern over the Victorian Government’s proposed changes to the Fire Services Levy, warning it will unfairly burden primary producers and regional landholders already under severe pressure from prolonged drought conditions.

 

DFV President Mark Billing said the levy, which is set to rise significantly for many rural landowners, threatens to impose further financial strain on dairy farmers at a time when every dollar counts.

 

“Dairy farmers are already facing one of the toughest seasons in decades – soaring input costs, water scarcity, and collapsing feed supplies,” Mr Billing said. “To increase a fixed cost like the Fire Services Levy right now is not only poor timing – it's irresponsible policy.”

 

Under the new model, farmers with large landholdings and infrastructure face steep increases.

 

“Many of our members are CFA volunteers themselves, actively defending their communities. Penalising them financially for protecting their own land is unjust,” Mr Billing said.

 

Dairy Farmers Victoria is urging the Allan Government to:

• Consult with agricultural groups to redesign the levy framework to ensure fairness and regional equity;

• Recognise and reward the role of farmers and CFA brigades in bushfire prevention and frontline response.

 

“Farmers are not asking for handouts – just fairness. When they are feeding the nation during a drought and fighting fires during summer, the government cannot make their job harder,” Mr Billing said.

 

DFV will continue to advocate for fair treatment of rural Victoria and will work with other industry bodies, local government, and emergency services to ensure common sense prevails.