Council Advocates Against Emergency Services Volunteer Fund
Published on 15 May 2025
Yarriambiack Shire Council reiterates impacts of Emergency Services Volunteer Fund
Following analysis conducted by Rural Councils Victoria, Yarriambiack Shire Council has reiterated impacts of the State Government’s announcement of the Emergency Services Volunteer Fund (ESVF) which will apply from 1 July 2025.
Of 18 rural Councils, analysis by Rural Councils Victoria (RCV) shows that Yarriambiack Shire rate payers will be the second hardest hit with an additional tax increase of 123%. Compared to the $2,722,192 collected by the Fire Service Levy, it is estimated that $3,349,428 additional tax will be collected by the ESVF in Yarriambiack Shire Council, resulting in a tax-take of $6,071,619.
Primary Producers across the shire will bear the brunt of the change, with an average 162% rise in the amount owed.
Applicable volunteers who are primary procedures will only be entitled to the exemption for their primary residence. 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.
Commercial operators in the Shire will see an increased tax bill of 39%.
Overall, $139,025,274 extra will be taken from rural communities each year at an average increase of 90% compared to the Fire Services Levy.
Shire Mayor Cr Kylie Zanker stated “It is proposed that the ESVF will be collected through local councils”.
“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 noted “that it is probable the Council will encounter criticism and potential reputational damage when residents receive their rate notices in September and perceive it as a levy imposed by the Council rather than by the State”.
Yarriambiack Shire Council has continued its advocacy efforts since 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.
“Adding further insult to our rural Community, our primary producers, who volunteer to serve and protect our communities during times of need or crisis will also bear majority of the financial burden of the ESVF. It is unjust, and unfair. Why should our farmers bear the brunt of this cost” Concluded Mayor Zanker.