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PropertyGuide GippslandTimes
The VFF weighs in Celebrating op shops
The Uniting Kilmany Op Shop in Sale celebrated National Op Shop Week last week, acknowledging the important role the shops and their volunteers play in their communities. Pictured, Virginia Dorning at the Uniting Kilmany Op Shop. More page 8.
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FARMERS in Wellington Shire are campaigning for a fair rates system as part of this year’s local government elections. Victorian Farmers’ Federation president David Jochinke said farmers were fed up with unfair increases to their rate bills year-on-year. “Farm rates in Wellington in the past year have gone up by an average 11.5 per cent, whilst residential rates have been cut,” he said. “What’s more, farm rates have increase by 30 per cent in the last four years. It is totally unfair and unsustainable to keep this up. “Council candidates need to understand the negative impact this has on the farming community and the need to rebalance the system.” Mr Jochinke said the VFF was preparing a questionnaire to candidates running for Wellington Shire Council to see if they will take action on rates if elected. “The VFF is calling on the new Wellington Shire [Council] to undertake a review of its rating strategy, with particular focus on how it can use differential rates to create more equity for farmers,” he said. “We will be asking the candidates to support a review to create fairer rating system for everyone.” Mr Jochinke said the VFF would also be asking the candidates if they supported a review of the services and infrastructure council provided to the agricultural sector. “Farmers are entitled to see something back for the huge amount in rates they pay,” he said. “The prosperity of the Gippsland region is dependent on agriculture, so it is important that the council takes a close look at how it supports the industry and whether that fairly stacks up against the contribution that farms make through rates.” Mr Jochinke said the rate inequity was being compounded by the fact people in rural Victoria paid more in rates than people in Melbourne. Continued page 5
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