State Government’s ESVF Imposes $3M in Additional Costs on Local Commu

Published on 19 May 2025

State Government’s ESVF Imposes $3M in Additional Costs on Local Community

The Victorian Government has announced that the Fire Services Property Levy (FSPL) will be replaced with the new Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) from 1 July 2025.

While the fund is designed to strengthen protections for Victorians during fires and other disasters — it comes at a significant financial cost during a time when many households are already struggling with rising living expenses. Our farming community, in particular, will feel the impact. These additional charges will certainly compound the challenges of current drought-like conditions.

The ESVF will be collected by councils and appear on rates notices, replacing the FSPL. However, the revenue raised will all be passed to the Victorian Government and does not directly benefit councils.

The Rural City of Wangaratta understands that the cost to the community will be more than $3M. Council’s recent Community Engagement Report identified the cost of living as a top 10 priority for our community members.

Concerns about housing affordability and the overall cost of living were identified as significant issues impacting the health and wellbeing of the community, with over half of respondents marking it as a key concern in the engagement surveys.

Participants in the surveys and workshops expressed that rising expenses, including council rates, food, and essential services, are making daily life increasingly difficult.

Feedback indicated that the escalating cost of living is viewed as a major factor contributing to poor mental health, resulting in stress, financial hardship, and challenges in accessing essential services.

“Our community is greatly concerned about the impact of this tax. While we understand the need for increased revenue for emergency services this levy will force an unfair burden on ratepayers already struggling in tough economic times.

With rate notices most residents often overlook the specifics of their increases, focusing instead on the overall rise and understandably perceive it as undue burden coming directly from council.” Irene Grant, Mayor Rural City of Wangaratta