The Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) will appear on your council rates notice replacing the Fire Services Property Levy.
Bayside has joined with other Councils to oppose the levy which represents a significant increase on the previous Fire Services Levy.
Councils are required to collect the funds and pass them on to the Victorian Government.
Bayside Mayor, Cr Hanna El Mouallem said Council had opposed the fund but have no option and will comply with the state government's directive to include the charges on rates notices.
"It is important that Bayside ratepayers are aware that the ESVF charges on their rates notices are a state government charge, not a council charge," he said.
"Bayside is freezing rates to support our community during the cost-of-living crisis while the state is increasing charges."
ESVF supports the vital services of a broader range of emergency services that respond to fires, floods, storms and other emergencies, including:
- Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES)
- Triple Zero Victoria
- Emergency Management Victoria
- Forest Fire Management Victoria
- State Control Centre
- Emergency Recovery Victoria.
The ESVF will continue to fund Fire Rescue Victoria and Country Fire Authority (CFA).
How it's calculated
The levy includes 2 components:
- A fixed charge - based on the property's classification (e.g. residential, commercial, industrial, primary production, and public benefit).
- A variable charge - based on the property's classification and capital improved value (CIV), which includes land and buildings. The CIV is listed on your council rate notice.
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.
