An overview of the fund’s purpose, calculation and collection.
About the fund
The emergency services and volunteers fund (ESVF) pays for emergency response services in Victoria. It replaced the fire services property levy on 1 July 2025.
The ESVF continues to support fire services and now also funds a broader range of emergency services that respond to floods, storms and other emergencies. These include:
- Fire Rescue Victoria
- Country Fire Authority (CFA)
- Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES)
- Triple Zero Victoria
- Emergency Management Victoria
- Forest Fire Management Victoria
- State Control Centre
- Emergency Recovery Victoria.
You pay the ESVF on each property you own. Local councils collect it each year via council rates notices. You will see the ESVF contribution listed separately on your notice.
Check your council rates notice for payment details. Councils must offer payment in 4 instalments.
If your property is non-rateable, councils will issue a separate ESVF notice.
For questions about the ESVF contribution on your notice, contact your local council.
Rates and calculations
The amount you contribute depends on your property type and value. The ESVF is made up of:
- a fixed charge based on your property classification
- a variable charge based on your property’s capital improved value and classification.
The fund also includes discounts for eligible property owners:
- $50 concession for eligible pensioners and veterans.
- Exemptions from paying multiple fixed charges for properties forming a single farm enterprise.
- New rebates for CFA, VICSES and Shepparton Search and Rescue Squad volunteers for their principal place of residence or farm.
Calculate your ESVF contribution
Read more about ESVF calculations and discounts.
