Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) Levy

The ESVF Levy is set by the Victorian Government.

The ESVF Levy consists of a Fixed Charge and a Variable Charge. Information regarding the fixed and variable charges can be found on the Department of Treasury and Finance website.

Yes. Council is legally obligated to collect the levy on behalf of the state government.

No. Mount Alexander Shire Council does not benefit financially from this levy. All monies collected are transferred to the State Revenue Office.

Interest charges will apply.

No. Legally, Council is not permitted to accept money for rates without also allocating some of this money to the ESVF Levy.

For example:

Rates: $1,746
ESVF: $254
Total amount owed: $2,000

There is no option to only pay your rates without paying the ESVF.

Interest charges will apply to the outstanding rates and charges.

As the ESVF is a state government levy, objections and queries should be directed to the state government at email esvf@dtf.vic.gov.au.

If you are experiencing financial hardship, we encourage you to consult with a financial advisor and seek assistance through Council’s Financial Hardship and Assistance process.

Visit our Hardship and assistance page or contact Council on 03 5471 1700.

Council objects to the proposed introduction of the ESVF Levy in its current form, due to the significant impacts it will have on the shire’s farming, commercial and industrial sectors.

Council called on the state government for a moratorium and a public enquiry to be held into the impacts on Victorian residents, businesses and councils, along with the future requirements of emergency services.

Council noted the enquiry should investigate the most fair and equitable approach to adequately funding emergency services.

Read the minutes from the Council Meeting on 17 June 2025(PDF, 22KB).