June 7th, 2025Reprieve: council opposes Emergency Services and Volunteers Levy

Hepburn Shire Councillors last month unanimously moved a motion confirming the council’s strong opposition to the Emergency Services and Volunteers Levy.

The Victorian government has since announced a temporary backdown on its controversial emergency services levy while pledging more money for struggling farmers.

It will cap its Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) levy at the 2024/25 rate for all primary production properties across the state for the coming financial year.

The fund, which replaces the cheaper fire services levy, is designed to raise revenue for fire services, the State Emergency Service, triple-0 and the state control centre.

In recent days the government has also pledged $37.7 million in additional funding for farmers struggling with drought conditions.

The Hepburn Shire Council had previously written to the Treasurer and Minister for Local Government expressing that the levy has a disproportionate financial burden on rural and regional communities, especially primary producers.

The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has welcomed the state government’s pause on the ESVF increase and the government’s expanded drought assistance.

The council, in a media statement issued following last month’s meeting, confirmed that it will continue to advocate for the shire and join the many other councils opposing the levy.