What is the emergency services and volunteers fund charge on my rates notice?
The Victorian Government manages the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF), which local councils are required to collect on their behalf.
The Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund replaces the Fire Services Property Levy (FSPL) which used to appear on your rates notice.
The funds are used to support emergency and disaster response services in Victoria.
For more information about the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund, visit the Victorian Government Emergency services and volunteers fund External link.
You can also contact the Victorian Government directly on their ESVF support line: 1300 819 033.
What does this charge fund?
In response to an increase in natural disasters like floods and fires, the Emergency Services Volunteer Fund was established to fund:
- Fire Rescue Victoria
- Country Fire Authority (CFA)
- Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES)
- Triple Zero Victoria
- Emergency Management Victoria
- State Control Centre
- Forest Fire Management Victoria
- Emergency Recovery Victoria
This goes beyond the previous fund, the Fire Services Property Levy, which funded Fire Rescue Victoria and the Country Fire Authority (CFA).
The Victorian Government increased the variable rates to raise more revenue to fund the additional services.
