Strathbogie Shire Council Raises Concern Over Emergency Services Fire Levy Impact

Strathbogie Shire Council has joined a growing number of regional councils voicing concern
about the Victorian Government’s proposed Emergency Services Volunteer Fund (ESVF),
which will replace the Fire Services Property Levy (FSPL) from 1 July 2025.

The new levy, which will be collected through Council rates notices, represents a significant
increase in charges for many ratepayers — particularly those in rural and agricultural areas.
Under the proposal, the levy rate will increase from 8.7 to 17.3 cents per $1,000 of a
property’s Capital Improved Value (CIV), allowing the State to raise an estimated $2.1 billion
more than the current FSPL.

Strathbogie Shire Mayor, Claire Ewart-Kennedy, said Council was blindsided by the
announcement, with no consultation from the State Government prior to the public release of
the proposal.

“This is not a Council-imposed charge — it’s a State Government tax that we’re being asked
to collect on their behalf,” Mayor Ewart-Kennedy said. “It’s incredibly disappointing that such
a significant change was made without engaging local government or considering the
financial impact on our ratepayers.”

“Our farmers, families and small business owners are already doing it tough with soaring
cost-of-living pressures — and now they’re being asked to carry the weight of a levy that
could double or triple their rates.

This is an unjust and disproportionate hit on rural communities like ours,” Mayor Ewart-Kennedy said.

“The State Government is shifting the financial burden of emergency services onto those least able to absorb it, without
consultation, support, or regard for the long-term impact on regional Victoria. It’s unacceptable — and we will fight it.”

“The reality is that this tax amounts to a double charge on the very people who volunteer
their time—and pay for their own fuel—to protect our community during disasters.

These volunteers are now being hit with a levy for the very service they provide out of goodwill.

It makes no sense whatsoever and unfairly targets smaller regional communities like ours in
Strathbogie Shire. As Mayor, I cannot in good conscience accept this unjust tax on my
community without standing up and speaking out against it,” she went on to say.

Council’s initial modelling indicates the following estimated increases:
• Residential properties valued at $750,000 could pay around 99% more.
• Commercial and industrial properties may face 34–100% increases.
• Primary producers could see a 189% increase — a devastating impact for local
farmers already under financial strain.

Mayor Ewart-Kennedy also raised concern about the lack of clarity around proposed
exemptions for emergency services volunteers and the added administrative burden that
would fall on Council staff and systems.

“The State is shifting both cost and responsibility onto local government, without any support
or detail about how exemptions will be applied or resourced,” she said. “This also risks
confusion in the community — many residents may mistakenly believe this is a Council
charge.”

Strathbogie Shire Council is calling on the Victorian Government to:
• Abandon the proposed ESVF legislation and levy increase; or
• Remove the requirement for Councils to collect the levy on behalf of the State, with
the State Revenue Office instead taking on this role.
If the proposal proceeds, Council will also request:
• A review and recalibration of the levy formula to avoid unfair financial impacts on
rural and regional communities.
• A guarantee that funds raised from regional Victoria will be reinvested directly into
emergency services in those same communities.

“We stand alongside other rural councils, in urging the Government to reconsider this unfair
and poorly communicated policy,” said Myaor Ewart-Kennedy. “Strathbogie residents
already do their fair share to support emergency services — this new levy will hit them where
it hurts most.”

Strathbogie Shire Council will continue to advocate through Rural Councils Victoria, the
Municipal Association of Victoria and directly to government to protect the interests of its
ratepayers and ensure fair treatment for rural communities.

For more information visit www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au or call 1800 065 993.