The Victorian Government has introduced a new Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF), which came into effect on 1 July 2025. The fund supports the ongoing delivery of emergency services across Victoria.
This is not a Council charge. However, Mitchell Shire Council is required by law to collect the ESVF on behalf of the Victorian Government as part of your annual rates notice.
Council has raised concerns about the ESVF and Mitchell Shire Mayor John Dougall said the fund is an unfair financial burden on Mitchell communities.
"It's putting an added strain on people already struggling in tough economic times," he said.
What the fund supports
The ESVF contributes to a broad range of emergency services, including:
- Country Fire Authority (CFA)
- Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV)
- Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES)
- Triple Zero Victoria
- Emergency Recovery Victoria
- Forest Fire Management Victoria
- State Control Centre
How the levy is calculated
The levy is made up of:
- A fixed charge, depending on the type of property (residential, commercial, industrial, primary production or public benefit).
- The variable charge is based on the property's capital improved value, which is the value of your land, buildings and any other capital improvements made to the property.
Rebate for eligible volunteers
A rebate is available for eligible CFA and VICSES volunteers and life members. This applies to their principal place of residence or farm and is administered by the Department of Government Services.
To qualify, volunteers must:
- Be an active operational or support volunteer.
- Have completed at least 12 months of service.
- Not be suspended or on extended leave during that time.
