Council Questions Emergency Services Fund Proposal
The Victorian Government’s proposed new Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF), set to replace the current Fire Services Property Levy (FSPL) on 1 July 2025, is expected to have a significant financial impact on residents and those already burdened by the increasing cost of living.
In Summary
- Council opposes new Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF), citing major cost impacts for residents and regional communities.
- Farming sector to be hardest hit, with a proposed rate hike from 28.7 to 83 cents per $1,000 CIV—adding over $5 million in Greater Shepparton alone.
- Council also faces increased administrative costs as the designated collection agency under the new levy system.
- Council calls for the Victorian Government to scrap the proposal and consult communities on fairer funding alternatives.
https://greatershepparton.com.au/whats-happening/news/news-article/!/456/post/council-concerned-with-proposed-victorian-government-emergency-services-and-volunteers-fund