City of Whittlesea calls out State Emergency Fund levy

The City of Whittlesea is calling on the State Government to rescind its Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) levy amid concerns about the financial impact on local residents and businesses. 

At its meeting on Tuesday 20 May, Council endorsed a motion calling on the State Government to drop the levy and to remove the requirement for Councils to collect the levy. 

The ESVF is set to replace the existing Fire Services Property Levy, which is currently collected by Councils through rates notices, on behalf of the State Government. The new levy will be calculated using a fixed charge (based on property type) and a variable charge (based on property value), with the Treasurer to set the ESVF rates each year. 

The ESVF will result in increases on all rates notices across the City of Whittlesea, with commercial, industrial and primary producers set to be hit the hardest.  

For residential properties, the new levy will nearly double from the previous Fire Services Property Levy in 2024–25. Businesses and industrial properties will see increases ranging from 64% to 100%, and farms will face the biggest jump at around 150%. 

This means higher bills for everyone, but for some the impact will be especially hard. Around 1,600 property owners will pay over $1,000 more than last year, and about 285 will see an increase of around $4,000. These changes represent significant financial pressure for many in our community. 

With many households already feeling the effects of the cost-of-living crisis and many struggling financially, the impact of this charge on the community, particularly on the rural community will be significant.  

The City of Whittlesea is calling for the State Government to reconsider the ESVF and remove the responsibility of Council’s to collect it on their behalf.  

At the Council Meeting on Tuesday 20 May, Council resolved to continue to advocate to the Stage Government for the levy to be rescinded and to work in partnership with the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) and other local governments to have cost recovery arrangements for the new ESVF to sit with the State Government.  

Quotes attributable to City of Whittlesea Mayor, Councillor Martin Taylor  

“We are deeply concerned about the financial impact this levy will have on our community particularly on our rural and farming families, many of whom are already facing significant financial stress. 

“This charge affects all ratepayers, and many will see increases that they simply cannot afford in the current economic climate. It’s unfair to expect local residents and businesses to bear the cost of a state imposed levy, particularly during a time when affordability and cost of living pressures are at the forefront of community concern. 

“The City of Whittlesea strongly urges the State Government to reconsider this charge. We will continue to advocate vigorously on behalf of our residents to ensure that their voices are heard. 

“Furthermore, we are calling for the responsibility of collecting this levy to be removed from local councils. Councils should not be burdened with administering and enforcing a state tax. The State Government must take full responsibility for the collection and management of these funds.”