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If you operate multiple properties as a single farming enterprise, you may be eligible for an exemption from the fixed Fire Services Levy included on your rates notice—but you must act before 30 September to take advantage of this opportunity.
Your rates notices should include two fire services levy components: a fixed levy and a variable levy. However, if your primary production properties are part of a single farming enterprise, you may qualify to pay the fixed charge on only one property within that enterprise—this is known as the single farm enterprise exemption.
With rates due by 30 September, now is the time to review your eligibility and avoid paying unnecessary charges. If you operate multiple properties under one farming business, contact Mitchell Council on 03 5734 6200 to request a single farm exemption application form.
A recent straw poll conducted by Protect Our Farms found that many local farmers are unaware of this exemption. If you run a single farming business with multiple properties, you may be able to reduce your rates bill by ensuring the fire services levy is only applied to one property.
The City of Greater Bendigo website provides clear guidance on this exemption including the exemption form for ratepayers in that Shire. However, the Shire of Mitchell’s website doesn’t mention that an exemption is available.
For more details, visit the State Revenue Office’s Fire Services Property Levy page.