Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund update

In a significant development for emergency services funding, the State Government has announced the expansion of the Fire Services Levy into the comprehensive Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund.

This enhanced fund now supports a broader range of essential services, including  VicSES, Triple Zero Victoria, the State Control Centre, Forest Fire Management Victoria, and Emergency Recovery Victoria, as well as the Country Fire Authority and Fire Rescue Victoria.

It is imperative the State Government work constructively with councils on both the implementation – there will be an administrative burden on councils to complete this change – and the communications planning, as this will impact local government rates notices.  

We're pleased to note the Department of Finance's commitment to a collaborative approach with councils in early 2025.