The proposed rate rise for farmers in the region could do more damage than good, with the industry still in the recovery process after a decade long drought.
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The farming industry is a big part of Ararat and the surrounds and it is times like this where we need to look out for each other and support those who will have to adjust to the changes.
The financial costs associated with such a move could be detrimental, should the Ararat Rural City Council push ahead with the proposed change in annual rate charges.
With a final decision expected next month, there is still a small window of opportunity to contact the relevant people and express concerns.
It is not a reasonable risk to increase the costs of farmers so substantially, to a point where they may have to consider leaving the industry, and in many cases a livelihood that past generations have enjoyed without these compromises.
People need to consider the long term effects of these kinds of changes, because quite often in these situations a short term gain ends up creating pain further into the future.
It takes different types of people, from different backgrounds to make a place like Ararat work, and if these changes do go ahead, then it could drive farmers to other areas, leading to a mass exodus of sorts from the region.
Right now, according to the Victorian Farmers Federation, there is an estimated 450 farming enterprises in the council municipality, with around 150 farmers attending a meeting showing their displeasure at the changes after council voted to implement them.
It was a close vote with the seven councils settling on a 4-3 result, meaning only one vote needs to be reversed to overturn the decision.
Farmers are a big contributor to the economy but to expect them to pay 100 per cent of the residential costs is a really big chance.
Perhaps there is a happy medium where the council can increase charges by a smaller amount, while still allowing farmers to plan for a further increase in the future.
Sometimes slow and steady wins the race, and if you go too hard too quickly, then you create an even bigger problem.
Right now, the situation is in a holding state, with a public meeting scheduled for June 6 where a final decision will be handed down.
