Understanding the emergency services and volunteers fund
The emergency services and volunteers fund supports the vital services of a broader range of emergency services that respond to fires, floods, storms and other emergencies in Victoria.
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From 1 July 2025, the emergency services and volunteers fund, or ESVF, will appear on your council rates notice.
It replaces the fire services property levy.
ESVF supports the vital services of a broader range of emergency services that respond to fires, floods, storms and other emergencies in Victoria, including Victoria State Emergency Service, or VICSES, Triple Zero Victoria, Emergency Management Victoria, Forest Fire Management Victoria, the State Control Centre and Emergency Recovery Victoria.
The ESVF will continue to fund Fire Rescue Victoria and the Country Fire Authority.
The levy is calculated in 2 parts.
A fixed charge based on your property classification and a variable charge based on your property's classification and capital improved value.
Existing concessions continue to apply.
If you hold a pensioner concession card, or an eligible Department of Veterans' Affairs Gold Card, you may qualify for a $50 concession.
If you own or occupy multiple parcels of land for a single farm enterprise, you may only need to pay the fixed charge once.
Additionally, in recognition of their significant contribution, active volunteers and life members from the CFA and VICSES will be eligible for a rebate.
The Treasurer has also declared that volunteers with Shepparton Search and Rescue Squad are eligible for the volunteers rebate.
If you believe you are entitled to the eligible volunteers rebate, please contact the Department of Government Services.
Want to learn more? Visit: sro.vic.gov.au/esvf or call the ESVF support line 1300 819 033.
