From 1 July 2025, the Victorian State Government Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) will appear on your council rates notice.
It will replace the existing Fire Services Property Levy (FSPL) and will be shown as a separate charge on rates notices. Council is legislated under the Fire Services Property Amendment (Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund) Act 2025 to collect these fees on behalf of the Victorian State Government.
The fund will help support a broader range of emergency services. For the first time, this will include the Victorian State Emergency Service (VICSES), Triple Zero Victoria, Emergency Management Victoria, the State Control Centre, Forest Fire Management Victoria and Emergency Recovery Victoria, as well as the Country Fire Authority (CFA) and Fire Rescue Victoria.
How is the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund calculated?
The levy is calculated using the following formula:
Levy = fixed charge + variable charge – concession (if eligible)
The Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) includes two components:
- A fixed charge – based on the property’s classification (e.g. residential, commercial, industrial, primary production, and public benefit).
- A variable charge – based on the property’s classification and capital improved value (CIV), which includes land, buildings and any improvements. The CIV is listed on your council rates notice.
Rebates and Concessions
Existing concessions continue to apply, pensioners already receiving the concession on their rate notice do not need to reapply. A $50 concession applies if you hold a Pensioner Concession Card or an eligible Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card.
Some farmers may be eligible for a single farm enterprise exemption from multiple fixed charges.
In recognition of their significant contribution, active volunteers and life members from the CFA and VICSES will be eligible to apply for a rebate.
For more information about the volunteer rebate, please visit the Victorian Governments Eligible Volunteers Rebate Scheme webpage.
For all complaints and further information related to the ESVF
All complaints and information regarding the ESVF are to be directed to:
Victorian State Government’s Department of Treasury and Finance
Website: Emergency services and volunteers fund | State Revenue Office
Telephone: 1300 819 033 (Lines open from 23 July 2025)
Email: esvf@dtf.vic.gov.au
NOTE: Council has been instructed to collect the funds on their behalf. We have not set the fees and structure.