General News
21 March, 2025
Fire Services Property Levy to be replaced
The State Government recently announced that an Emergency Services Volunteer Fund (ESVF) will replace the Fire Services Property Levy, effective from July 1, increasing to around $3.2 million.
At Yarriambiack Shire Council's recent February meeting, an outline of potential impacts on rate payers was presented with councillors moving a motion to undertake advocacy to the State Government regarding the ESVF and the additional financial burden placed on its community.
Mayor Kylie Zanker said the ESVF will still be collected through local councils.
"However, it is unclear at this stage what the council's role will be," she said.
"We are yet to be provided with guidance on how we will administer the volunteer exemptions."
Cr Zanker said there has been no discussion or commitment from the State Government regarding increasing administration contribution to councils acting as the collection agency.
Like the Fire Services Property Levy, the ESVF will be calculated based on a fixed charge that varies by property type and a variable charge based on property value.
"Preliminary estimates based on the proposed rates for 2025-26 suggest that our shire ratepayers
will contribute an additional $3.3 million towards the ESVF," she said.
"This figure does not account for exemptions, as these are still unknown."
Applicable volunteers who are primary procedures will only be entitled to the exemption for their primary residence.
"We already have approximately eight per cent of rates arrears properties that we must pursue via either debt collection and/or the sale of properties via the Local Government Act 1989, section 181 process," Cr Zanker said.
"The ESVF will place further financial strains on our residential rate payers and it is envisaged we will see our rates arrears increase in the coming years due to this fund being applied.
"If the community is not informed about how this fund is being administered and the reasons for its introduction, it is likely that the council may face criticism and reputational damage, as it will be deemed a council imposed levy."
Active volunteers and life members of Victorian Emergency Services will not have to pay the ESVF on their primary place of residence, such as a house or farm.
Pensioners, veterans and single farm enterprises will continue to receive concessions.
However, it is unclear if this will be increased to counteract the rising ESVF.