Victoria Launches Emergency Services Fund
The Victorian Government has introduced a new Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF), which came into effect on 1 July 2025. The fund supports the ongoing delivery of emergency services across Victoria.
This is not a Council charge. However, Mitchell Shire Council is required by law to collect the ESVF on behalf of the Victorian Government as part of your annual rates notice.
Council has raised concerns about the ESVF and Mitchell Shire Mayor John Dougall said the fund is an unfair financial burden on Mitchell communities.
“It’s putting an added strain on people already struggling in tough economic times,” he said.
The ESVF contributes to a broad range of emergency services, including:
The levy is made up of:
A rebate is available for eligible CFA and VICSES volunteers and life members. This applies to their principal place of residence or farm and is administered by the Department of Government Services.
To qualify, volunteers must:
https://www.mitchellshire.vic.gov.au/news/victorian-governments-emergency-services-and-volunteers-fund