The Victorian Government has replaced the Fire Services Property Levy with the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF), effective from 1 July 2025.
The ESVF will fund a broader range of emergency services, including Fire Rescue Victoria, the Country Fire Authority, Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES), Triple Zero Victoria, Emergency Management Victoria, the State Control Centre, Forest Fire Management Victoria, and recovery agencies.
Council is required by law to collect this levy for the state government. Council does not benefit financially from the levy.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I don’t want to pay the levy?
Ratepayers cannot choose which charges to pay on their rates notice, and any partial payments are allocated equally across Council rates, charges, and the levy.
What is Council’s position on the levy?
Council is very disappointed that legislation for the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) Levy has passed through the Victorian Parliament in a rushed way, and without a full assessment being undertaken of its impacts on rural and regional communities and local government areas.
You can read about Council’s position on the ESVF Levy.
How is the levy calculated?
The ESVF Levy includes a fixed and variable charge. More information is available on the State Revenue Office Victoria website
Can I object to the levy?
While you cannot object to the levy itself, you may object to the valuation and the Australian Valuation Property Classification Code of your property. More information is available at Property Valuations
What if I cannot pay the levy?
If you are facing financial hardship or expecting difficulty paying your rates, charges, or the levy, contact us to discuss available support options.
A new Volunteer Rebate is available for eligible CFA and VicSES volunteers, along with a partial rebate for eligible drought-affected farmers. You must apply via the Department of Government Services website
Eligible pensioners and Department of Veterans’ Affairs card holders will continue to receive a $50 rebate on the ESVF Levy.