This contribution applies based on your property and circumstances.
How your contribution is calculated
The emergency services and volunteers fund (ESVF) contribution is collected by your local council and appears on your rates notice. If you own non-rateable land, you will receive a separate assessment for the contribution. You pay the ESVF on each property you own.
The ESVF is made up of 2 parts:
- A fixed charge based on your property classification.
- A variable charge based on your property’s capital improved value (CIV) and classification.
The total contribution is calculated using this formula:
- ESVF = fixed charge + variable charge – minus any eligible concession, rebate or single farm exemption (if applicable).
Fixed charge
The fixed charge depends on your property classification. It increases each year in line with the consumer price index.
Variable charge
The variable charge is calculated by multiplying the variable rate that applies to your property classification by your property’s CIV:
Variable charge = variable rate × CIV
The variable rate is set annually and differs by property type.
View the ESVF current fixed and variable rates by property classification.
You can watch our video on how the ESVF is calculated for a quick overview.
Property classifications
The property classification on your council rates notice describes the primary use of your land. Each classification has its own ESVF variable rate. The classifications used for the ESVF are:
- residential
- commercial
- industrial (includes infrastructure and extractive)
- primary production
- public benefit.
The ESVF is based on the Australian Valuation Property Classification Code (AVPCC) allocated to the property. The APCC of each property in Victoria is determined by the valuation process conducted annually by the Valuer General Victoria
From 1 July 2025, the vacant land classification was removed. These properties are now included in the residential or non-residential categories, according to their use.
The fixed charge is different for residential and non-residential properties.
From 1 July 2026, all properties will have the same fixed charge and owners will get a 50% discount on the fixed charge for their principal place of residence.
View the ESVF current fixed and variable rates by property classification.
Rebate for emergency services volunteers
If you're a volunteer with an emergency services organisation, you may be eligible for an ESVF rebate.
You can apply if you are an active volunteer with the:
- Country Fire Authority
- Victoria State Emergency Service
- Shepparton Search and Rescue Squad.
The rebate is:
- the full ESVF amount for the property you own that is your PPR
- up to $1,710 for your farm.
You can only claim one rebate per financial year and you must reapply for the rebate every year. You can claim the rebate before or after you pay.
For criteria and to apply, visit Service Victoria Eligible Volunteers Rebate Scheme and complete the online form. For enquires, call the Victorian Government’s volunteer rebate hotline on 1300 778 931, 9 am–5 pm, Monday to Friday.
Concessions and exemptions
You may be eligible for a concession or exemption on your ESVF.
Concession
If you hold an eligible concession card, you can receive a $50 reduction on your ESVF. This applies to:
- Pensioner Concession Card
- Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card.
You can only claim one concession per property, and it must be your home (PPR). If you believe you are entitled to a concession and have not received it, contact your local council.
Single farm enterprise exemption
If you operate a single farm enterprise across multiple properties, you may only have to pay one fixed charge.
Eligibility for the exemption is determined by your local council. For details and to apply for this exemption, contact your local council and request a single farm exemption application form.
Objections
You can only object to the property valuation or its AVPCC classification.
Refer to your council rates notice for information about lodging an objection or use the Rating valuation objections portal.
For any questions about objections, contact your local council.
