Council urges Premier to review unfair emergency services fund levy

Published on 13 March 2025

West Wimmera Shire Council has formally expressed its concerns to the Premier and Minister for Local Government, calling for a review of the collection process for the new Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF).

Council believes that the current system unfairly burdens local governments and rural communities.

In December 2024, the Victorian Government announced that the Fire Services Property Levy (FSPL) would be replaced by the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF), effective from 1 July 2025.

Residential properties could see charges increase by up to 50 per cent compared with the previous FSPL, while rural properties will face a 36 per cent increase in costs.

The new levy raises significant concerns for West Wimmera Shire Council, with ratepayers facing substantial additional costs that could further strain already stretched budgets.

Mayor Tim Meyer said the new fund would place undue financial strain on the community.

“This is utterly despicable – a clear example of the government shifting the financial burden onto local government.

“They are passing the buck onto councils and it’s an absolute disgrace.

“Council is not allowed to put up its own rates more than the cost of living, meanwhile the State Government is increasing this levy by as much as 50 per cent, and then passing it on to us, so we get the blame from ratepayers.”

Cr Meyer said many people in regional communities would struggle to afford the increased cost of the new levy.

“The additional financial burden comes at a time when many are already struggling with rising costs,” he said.

“This is not a tax we can pass on to our residents without serious consequences.”

Council’s letter to the Premier and Minister for Local Government stresses that the collection of the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund should be managed directly by the State Government.

This would streamline the process and relieve local councils of an unnecessary administrative burden.

West Wimmera Shire Council will continue to advocate for its residents, working to ensure a fairer outcome for ratepayers and local emergency services.