The new levy was set in place to support volunteer-led emergency services, however controversy has sparked due to the high rates to be paid by landholders.
Although it’s a Victorian Government tax, the levy will be collected through council rates notices.
Mitchell, Murrindindi and Strathbogie Shire Councils have all expressed concerns on the ESVF, which is set to be enforced on July 1.
Mitchell Shire Council
Despite acknowledging the need for increased funding for the state’s emergency services, Mitchell Shire Council has spoken out against the ESVF, with the belief that it will result in unfair outcomes for ratepayers.
The previous Fire Services Levy generated around $7.08 million in the 2024/25 financial year from ratepayers in Mitchell Shire.
Under the ESVF, the cost to Mitchell Shire ratepayers is expected to increase to about $10 million.
Mitchell Shire Mayor John Dougall said council is committed to working collaboratively with the Victorian Government to find a more suitable and equitable approach to funding emergency services.
“The reality is, this levy is an unfair financial burden on our communities, particularly our farmers and rural residents,” he said.
“It’s putting an added strain on people already struggling in tough economic times.
“This increased levy must be re-examined immediately.
“Local government should not be asked to do more work collecting and administering taxes on behalf of the Victorian Government.”
Murrindindi Shire Council
Murrindindi Shire Council said it remains deeply concerned about the introduction of the ESVF and the impact it will have on regional communities.
While it notes that recent changes to the levy have been made, such as reducing the rate for Primary Production Land and rebates for eligible CFA and VicSES volunteers, council said these measures do not go far enough.
Council said the timing of this levy could not be more difficult, and has consistently raised concerns on its design and fairness.
Murrindindi Shire said it would continue to advocate for a fairer and more sustainable approach, which supports both emergency services and the broader community.
Strathbogie Shire Council
Strathbogie Shire Mayor Claire Ewart-Kennedy spoke out on the levy a day before it was passed in parliament.
“The state is shifting both cost and responsibility onto local government, without any support or detail about how exemptions will be applied or resourced,” she said.
“This also risks confusion in the community - many residents may mistakenly believe this is a council charge.
“We stand alongside other rural councils, in urging the government to reconsider this unfair and poorly communicated policy.
“Strathbogie residents already do their fair share to support emergency services - this new levy will hit them where it hurts the most.”
Council has also put forward a number of requests to the Victorian Government, including:
- Abandon the proposed ESVF legislation and levy increase
- Remove the requirement for councils to collect the levy on behalf of the state, with the State Revenue Office instead taking on this role
- A review and recalibration of the levy formula to avoid unfair financial impacts on rural and regional communities
- A guarantee that funds raised from regional Victoria will be reinvested directly into emergency services in those same communities
For more information on what to expect with the Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund, visit https://tinyurl.com/5ev4shyz
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