Fire Services Property Levy

The levy is a State Government charge that helps pay for the fire services provided by the Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) and Country Fire Authority (CFA).

While we collect this property levy through your council Rates Notice, the money goes directly to the State Government, and not to us.

The levy will be clearly shown on your Rates Notice and, like your rates, you can pay it either annually or in instalments.

Why the levy was created

Insurance companies previously collected the Fire Services Property Levy through household insurance premiums.

The Victorian Government has introduced this levy in response to the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission's recommendation to replace the old insurance-based levy with a new property-based levy.

Now all property owners - even those who do not have insurance - pay the property-based fire services levy.

This means that all property owners contribute to the cost of fire brigade services, not just those who have insurance.

Some properties that are exempt from paying Council rates - like schools, churches and some charities - also have to pay the levy.

Further information

To find out more about how the levy is calculated visit the Fire Services Property Levy website.