Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund

The Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund is set by the Victorian Government.

The Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund consists of a Fixed Charge and a Variable Charge. Information regarding the fixed and variable charges can be found on the State Revenue Office website.

Yes, Councils are legally required to collect the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund and pay it to the Victorian Government. This is in line with the Fire Services Property Fund Act 2012 (and in line with the Local Government Act 1989 & 2020).

No, all money collected is transferred to the State Revenue Office.

Interest charges will apply on the unpaid amount and could lead to debt recovery proceedings under the Local Government Act 1989.

No, ratepayers cannot choose which specific charges to pay from their rates notice. Any payments made are split fairly between the rates, charges, and the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund. Any unpaid amounts will be treated as a debt against the property.

What changed from 1 July 2025:

• The Emergency Services and Volunteers now contributes to the Country Fire Authority, Fire Rescue Victoria, Victoria State Emergency Service, Triple Zero Victoria, State Control Centre, Forest Fire Management Victoria, and Emergency Recovery Victoria
• Vacant land category has been removed. Land previously classified as "Vacant" will be reallocated to its corresponding land use classification
• A volunteer rebate has been introduced. Eligible Country Fire Authority and Victoria State Emergency Service volunteers may receive a rebate on their Emergency Services and Volunteers liability
• Variable rates will increase to raise additional revenue to fund the services being covered by the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund

Changes from 1 July 2026:

• New Property Category for Primary Place of Residence (PPR):
  A new classification will be introduced specifically for residential properties that are the owner's Primary Place of Residence.
   
• Non-PPR Residential Properties:
  Residential properties that are not the owner's Primary Place of Residence - such as investment properties, holiday homes, or vacant residential dwellings - will be charged at the non-residential fixed rate.

All property owners are required to contribute to the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund unless eligible for the Volunteer Rebate.

More information about the rebate can be found on the Eligible Volunteers Rebate Scheme Website:

Eligible Volunteers Rebate Scheme

While a ratepayer cannot object to the fund itself you may object to the following: 

• Australian Valuation Property Classification Code Land Use code: This code determines the category that you pay, eg you can contend that your property is not primary production and should be residential. 
• Valuation: The Capital Improved Valuation that is applied to a property determines the variable component of the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund. If you disagree with your valuation and are successful in objecting to its value, your rates and Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund will decrease accordingly. 

As the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund is a state government fund, objections and queries relating to the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund should be directed to the state government at email [email protected]

The City issued a statement in June 2025 outlining its position on the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund, read the statement: 

Emergency Services Volunteer Fund statement