Media Release: Emergency Services Volunteer Fund
Published on 07 March 2025
Yarriambiack Shire response to Emergency Services Volunteer Fund
Yarriambiack Shire Council has outlined potential impacts on its rate payers in response to the State Government’s announcement of the Emergency Services Volunteer Fund (ESVF) which will apply from 1 July 2025.
Shire Mayor Cr Kylie Zanker stated “The ESVF will still be collected through local councils, however it is unclear at this stage what the Council’s role will be. We are yet to be provided with guidance on how we will administer the volunteer exemptions.”
“Preliminary estimates based on the proposed rates for 2025-26 suggest that our Shire rate payers will contribute an additional $3.3 million towards the ESVF. This figure does not account for exemptions, as these are still unknown”, stated Mayor Zanker
Primary Production is likely to bear the brunt of the increase, with estimates showing an increase of around $3.2 million. Applicable volunteers who are primary procedures will only be entitled to the exemption for their primary residence.
“We already have approximately 8% of rates arrears properties that we must pursue via either debt collection and/or the sale of properties via the Local Government Act 1989, section 181 process. The ESVF will place further financial strains on our residential rate payers, and it is envisaged we will see our rates arrears increase in the coming years, due to this fund being applied.” Stated Mayor Zanker.
Mayor Zanker also observed that “If the community is not informed about how this fund is being administered and the reasons for its introduction, it is likely that the Council may face criticism and reputational damage, as it will be deemed a Council imposed levy”.
Mayor Zanker added “There has also been no discussion and/or commitment from the State Government in relation to increasing the administration contribution to Councils who act as the collection agency on behalf of the State Government.”
Active volunteers and life members of Victorian Emergency Services will not have to pay the ESVF on their primary place of residence, such as a house or farm. Similar to the Fire Services Property Levy, the ESVF will be calculated based on a fixed charge that varies by property type, and a variable charge based on property value.
Pensioners, veterans and single farm enterprises will continue to receive concessions, however, it is unclear if this will be increased, to counteract the rising ESVF.
Shire Councillors moved a motion at the February meeting of Council to undertake advocacy to the State Government regarding the Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund and the additional financial burden placed on its community.
END OF RELEASE
Cr Kylie Zanker