Rural revolt rolls into region: loud Scrap the Tax calls

HUNDREDS of volunteer firefighters and farmers have converged on Bendigo today protesting the State Government's controversial emergency services levy. An estimated 1000 people were at Weeroona Oval, many from Loddon communities including...

HUNDREDS of volunteer firefighters and farmers have converged on Bendigo today protesting the State Government's controversial emergency services levy.

An estimated 1000 people were at Weeroona Oval, many from Loddon communities including Bridgewater, Inglewood, Serpentine, Rheola, Dingee and Boort.

More than 100 CFA trucks ringed the oval before a protest convoy to the centre of Bendigo.

The trucks adorned with placards and slogan criticising Premier Jacinta Allan were joined by dozens of tractors from Woodstock West and Bridgewater North.

One Woodstock West farmer said they faced a annual $50,000 new tax bill when the Government ends its temporary reprieve for primary producers next July.

Organisers of the rally, CFA Volunteers Group, said they would continue protesting until the tax was scrapped and would target the Government in the November 2026 election.

Full report, photos in your local Loddon Herald out Thursday,