Farmers hit the streets to protest emergency services levy hike
Farmers have gathered on the steps of Melbourne's parliament to protest a proposed $616m hike to an emergency service tax by the Allan government to fund public servants.
The tax is set to replace the Fire Services Levy and would leave many of the state's agricultural producers, who are also volunteer firefighters, footing the bill.
Dozens of fire trucks were spotted heading towards Spring St on Friday morning, causing traffic chaos across the CBD and major delays on city arterials, including the West Gate freeway, as the mob made their way from Derrimut McDonald's.
The convoy, which was expected to be made up of more than 90 farmers, was joined by members of the United Firefighters Union.
Protesters congregated on the steps of parliament, some donning cowboy hats and firefighter gear, to vent their anger.
Several trucks lining the sidewalk displayed signs reading 'scrap the tax' and 'rural lives matter'.
Many of the farmers protesting are also volunteers with the Country Fire Authority (CFA).
Fireys, farmers and local council members continue to outspokenly oppose the new levy that is projected to rake in an extra $2bn from landholders.
Some were reporting cost increases of 400 per cent, the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) said.
The government said the median levy on primary producers would rise from $621 to $1299 per assessment, a 109 per cent increase.
VFF president Brett Hosking said the 'unfair' tax hike had united the state's regional communities.
'This tax is unfair, unnecessary, and completely out of step with what Victorians expect from their government,' he said.
'This is a moment for the Victorian community to stand up and say 'enough is enough'.
'Don't burn regional Victoria with more taxes.'
The controversial legislation was shelved in April due to a lack of parliamentary support, but is reportedly set to put back to a vote next week when parliament resumes.
The CFA and Premier Jacinta Allan have been contacted for comment.
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