Tuesday, 8 July, 2025
Government’s gas reduction plan is welcomed
New and improved tanker for Little Yarra CFA
Coach asks for NT trip support
See Real Estate liftout inside
PAGE 7
PAGE 8
PAGE 30
PAGE 19
A Star News Group Publication
Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808
12779292-FR26-25
Preps celebrate big milestone By Callum Ludwig Yarra Junction Primary School’s Prep students marked the end of the term with a special celebration on Friday 4 July. Turn to page 9 for more
Yarra Junction Primary School Preps and their buddies were all smiles for the end of term. (Callum Ludwig: 488444)
CFA levy concern By Dongyun Kwon and Evan Wolski Firefighters are concerned about the recently introduced Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF). The state government has introduced this legislation to raise an extra $2.1 billion for emer-
gency services through a tax which replaces the Fire Services Property Levy from 1 July and expands coverage to other emergency and disaster response services. The ESVF was projected to lift the average annual bill for residential home owners by $63 and $678 for primary producers, sparking backlash
from some farmers and firefighters. Gruyere CFA firefighter Ray Sartori said it’s an extra charge which people in residential properties need to pay. “Let’s say you’ve got a 10-acre property worth $2 million with that including the house, you’ll pay nearly $2000 in the levy. If your neighbour’s
got 10 acres next door and it’s not levied as a farm but as a primary producer, he is going to pay much less in levy,” he said. Many of the councils joined a council-led revolt against the levy or at least released official statements raising worries. Turn to page 5 for the full article
For all your residential and commercial property needs 12782466-MS27-25
T: 0488 179 767 | E: ian.vine@eview.com | W: healesville.eview.com.au
12739397-MC02-25
CALL NOW TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH US AT YOUR HOME, WORKPLACE, OR AT OUR OFFICE WE COME TO YOU!
Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm
(03) 5929 7010
info@yarravalleylegal.com.au
12764670-JD16-25
NOW OFFERING CONVEYANCING & PROPERTY LAW SERVICES 301 Maroondah Highway, Healesville (03) 5929 7010
• Wills • Drafting Powers of Attorney •VCAT Guardianship and Administration • Property Law • Probate and letters of administration • Contesting estates • Conveyancing Services