Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund

What has changed?

From 1 July 2025, the emergency services and volunteers fund (ESVF) will appear on your council rates notice. It replaces the fire services property levy and will now support the vital services that respond to fires, floods, storms and other emergencies.

The ESVF will help support a broader range of emergency services and for the first time include Victoria 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.

Who is required to contribute to the ESVF?

All property owners are required to contribute.

How is it calculated?

The ESVF includes:

1. A fixed charge – based on your property type.

2. A variable charge – based on your property type and its capital improved value.

What rebates and concessions are available?

Existing concessions continue to apply.

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 for a rebate.

How do I access the Volunteer Rebate?

The Volunteer Rebate will be administered by the Victorian Government through the Department of Government Services.

Visit www.vic.gov.au/Eligible-Volunteers-Rebate-Scheme for more information.

How do I object to the levy amount?

You have the right to object to your property’s valuation (of capital improved value) if you think the valuation is incorrect, which affects the amount of ESVF you pay. You can also object to the Australian Valuation Property Classification Code (AVPCC) of your property which affects the classification of your land, such as residential or commercial, and thus affects the amount of the ESVF you pay. The ESVF rates are set by the Victorian Treasurer and are not reviewable. Visit ratingvaluationobjections.vic.gov.au for more information.