Campaspe Shire Council has formally reaffirmed its opposition to the Victorian Government's Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF), reinforcing its commitment to advocate against the levy and its disproportionate impact on rural communities. Council also noted it has collected $1.44 million of the Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund levy on behalf of the Victorian State Government which is due to be remitted to the State Revenue Office by 28 October 2025.
Council's decision to publicly reaffirm its opposition to the levy, made at its meeting on 21 October 2025, highlights the significant financial and emotional toll the ESVF will impose on Campaspe residents. While Council continues to support the vital work of emergency service personnel and volunteers, it strongly condemns the method of funding introduced by the Victorian Government.
Mayor of Campaspe Shire, Cr Daniel Mackrell reiterated that the ESVF is not a Council-imposed tax.
"We are essentially acting as a collection agency for the State Government, bearing the administrative burden and community backlash, while receiving insufficient support to manage the transition," he said.
The ESVF, which replaces the Fire Services Property Levy, will see Campaspe ratepayers contribute approximately $8.4 million in the 2025/26 financial year—an increase of $1.86 million or 28% from the previous year. The levy is scaled based on property type and value, with rural and farming communities facing the steepest increases. Originally proposed at $10.72 million, the figure was reduced only after the State Government deferred the increase for primary producers until 2026/27.
Council warns that the levy will exacerbate stress and anxiety among residents already grappling with economic hardship and the lingering effects of recent natural disasters.
"This tax is deeply unjust and only serves to add to the mental health burden of our farmers, pensioners, and volunteers, many of whom are the very people the fund claims to support," he said.
Councillors also expressed concern that there is no guarantee the funds collected will be reinvested locally. "Millions will be extracted from our community, only to be funnelled into state revenue.
"There is no assurance that Campaspe's emergency services will see any benefit," Cr Mackrell added
Campaspe Shire Council will continue to advocate for the repeal of the ESVF and calls on the Victorian Government to engage in genuine consultation with affected communities. Council encourages residents to write to their local State Member of Parliament calling to repeal of the ESVF.
