General News
3 June, 2025
Victorian Government backpedals on ESVF, pausing levy increase for farmers
The State Government has temporarily backed down on the controversial emergency services levy for farmers following months of outcry.
As a part of the state’s broader drought package, farmers’ Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) contribution will be capped at the 2024/25 rate for the upcoming financial year.
It’ll mean 12-months of reprieve for the state’s primary producers, who are battling drought and the cost of living, from paying thousands more under the recent emergency services levy legislation.
The backward step accompanies an additional $37.7 million for drought support, adding to the $15.9 million package announced in mid-May, which extended the 13.5 million package from late last year.
Across the state farmers can apply for grants up to $5000 to support on-farm drought management improvement which has expanded to include water carting activities and pasture re-establishment.
For 11 council areas and parts of West Wimmera this grant will be increased to $10,000, including for farmers in the Pyrenees shire, although the Central Goldfields isn’t eligible for the increase.
The announcements follow protests from CFA brigades and farmers, many of whom volunteer in their local brigade, alongside regional councils.
One day ahead of the State Government’s announcement of the year-long reprieve, and after many other regional shires, the Central Goldfields Shire council released a statement condemning the levy.
Prior to primary producer’s capped contribution, Central Goldfields Shire interim CEO Sally Jones said the cost to the community would be approxi-mately $890,000 in the first year.
“None of the money raised by this levy remains with local councils to provide much needed services to our community, even though it is shown on the rate notice. There is no financial gain for councils,” she said.
“This is a state tax, enforced on councils as the collection agency.”
Ms Jones explained that the ESVF has to be transferred to the State Government dollar-for-dollar.
“This means that if a property owner decides to only pay the council rates amount (minus the tax) council’s revenue will be directly impacted,” she said.
Central Goldfields Shire Council, according to Ms Jones, will continue to advocate for the community through advocacy initiatives and supporting sector wide resistance to the ESVF.
“It’s time for a more realistic and cooperative strategy that helps emergency services without putting additional strain on communities affected by drought and the councils working to assist them,” she said.