General News
31 May, 2025
Mayoral Matters
I would like to commence by commending the thousands of regional people who took part in the protest over the recently legislated Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund (ESVF) levy on the steps of Parliament House in Spring Street last week.
During cropping, as we wait for much-needed rain, this time taken away from farms and businesses to advocate for your neighbours and community volunteers is just another sacrifice made by rural communities.
This levy is an absolute disgrace! Regional and rural Victoria, farmers in particular, are being forced to pay for the State Government’s poor financial planning through several cancelled and over budget projects, including the recently cancelled Commonwealth games which were supposed to bring investment to the regions.
It was disappointing that the opposition who were strongly fighting for our rural communities was not heard by the cross benchers and enough to stop the cross benchers voting for this legislation.
It was also frustrating that the protest did not make front page of the city newspapers where it belonged.
I have often said Councils should stay away from state politics and focus on community matters, but this levy is going to cripple not only our farmers but all the country towns that service them.
The legislation has been passed in such a way that it is illegal for Councils to not collect the levy.
The State Government has ensured that they receive a percentage of every dollar paid to Council, so even if ratepayers object to paying the ESVF component on their rates notice the State Government will still receive their money.
It will be Council services that will be impacted from not receiving the rates revenue.
I commend the work our staff and community have been doing for months to fight for a fair go.
Council will continue to advocate for the withdrawal of this new levy, and we encourage the community to continue the fight and sign the petition on the Parliament of Victoria website.
I have invited the Premier to visit Hindmarsh to see firsthand the impacts the drought and ESVF are having on the mental health of our communities.
All major parties have little over a year to get their act together, we can only hope they can.
Enough is enough and it is time for change.
On a brighter note, I performed three Citizenship ceremonies last week.
As always, it is rewarding to welcome new citizens and be part of their special day.
To celebrate our wonderful volunteers, Council hosted volunteer breakfasts in all four towns, all were well attended.
Another thankyou to all those who do so much for our communities.
We are currently underway with budget drop-in sessions, last week sessions were held in Jeparit and Dimboola with sessions in Nhill and Rainbow this week.
Barengi Gadjin Land Council (BGLC) hosted a forum with Mayors and CEOs from around the region in Horsham last week.
I was very impressed with the various speakers and their presentations.
I look forward to assisting them with some of their projects and building on the relationship.
Our Youth Council hosted a disco evening in Jeparit last Friday, a little down on numbers I'm told but they all seemed to be having fun.
Keep up the good work.
Before I close, I would like to introduce Tanya Kehoe, Mayor of Pyrenees Shire.
Why you may ask, well I first met Tanya at a Mayoral training event in Melbourne.
I met her again at the MAV conference last week and asked if I could have a photo with her.
Again, why you ask?
Well, Tanya has been a Councillor with Pyrenees Shire for thirteen years, she also has a day job.
Nothing unusual you might say, but she also has eight children, the youngest not quite two years old and the eldest doing VCE.
The moral to the story, I constantly have residents that are critical of Council and Councillors.
The moment I say, “why don't you stand?” the answer is, I don't have time - this excuse won’t cut it, and Tanya is a prime example!
I will be recruiting for someone to take my place in three years time and I encourage anyone thinking about having a go to talk to a Councillor or Council staff member about what being a Councillor involves and what supports are available for people with caring responsibilities.
Tanya is just one of the many amazing people I have met in my role as Mayor.
– CR RON ISMAY