Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund Levy
From 1 July 2025, the Fire Services Property Levy (FSPL) will be replaced by the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF).
It will help support a broader range of emergency services and for the first time include VICSES, Triple Zero 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 (FRV).
Loddon Shire Council is legislated to administer the collection of this fee on behalf of the State Government under the Emergency Services Volunteer Fund Act 2012.
Changes under the ESVF
From 1 July 2025:
- The vacant land category will be abolished, with vacant land allocated to its corresponding land use classification (e.g. vacant industrial land will be reclassified as industrial land).
- Variable rates will increase to raise additional revenue to fund the services being covered by the ESVF.
From 1 July 2026:
- A new category will be created for residential PPR.
- Non-PPR residential properties will incur the non-residential fixed charge.
As with the existing FSPL, the ESVF will be collected by councils and will appear on rates notices. The Department of Treasury and Finance will work with councils to implement these changes.
The existing $50 concession for pensioners and veterans, and the concession for single farm enterprises, will continue to apply.
Who is required to contribute to the ESVF?
All property owners are required to contribute to the ESVF unless eligible for the Volunteer Rebate, which can be valued up to the total ESVF liability. Land previously in the Vacant category under FSPL will be reallocated under the ESVF.
How much will I contribute?
Like the FSPL, the ESVF will be calculated based on a fixed charge that varies by property type, and a variable charge based on property value.
Pensioners, veterans and single farm enterprises will continue to receive concessions.
The levy is calculated using the following formula:
Levy = fixed charge + variable charge – concession (if eligible)
For current rates, click the Current rates link below.
To calculate how much your ESVF will be, click the Calculator link below.
If eligible, after you receive your rates notice you can apply for the Volunteer Rebate.
Are there any concessions?
There is a concession for eligible pensioners and veterans. Also, farmers with multiple properties that operate as a single enterprise can lodge an exemption form to pay a single fixed charge.
Rates concession application
Single farm enterprise exemption application form
I am a volunteer, how do I claim a rebate?
Volunteers and life-members from the Country Fire Authority (CFA) and the Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) are eligible to receive a rebate on their principal place of residence (PPR) or farm.
Eligible volunteers include all active VICSES and CFA operational and support volunteers. Volunteers need to have served for at least 12 months, have passed probation, and not be suspended on disciplinary grounds or have taken a leave of absence for the duration of the preceding 12 months.
The Volunteer Rebate will be administered by the Victorian Government through the Department of Government Services.
Eligible volunteers will be able to apply for the Volunteer Rebate online following receipt of the local government issued rates notice.