Council opposed to ESVF Levy

Published on 15 May 2025

Moyne Shire Council is opposed to the new Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund Levy legislation, and was disappointed to see it passed today by the Victorian Parliament.

Council vigorously advocated on behalf of its rural community and agricultural sector, who will face a disproportionate financial burden from the levy.

Mayor, Cr Karen Foster said Council had resolved at its April 2025 meeting to ask the State Government to reassess the new levy.

“We wrote multiple letters to State Government ministers, local members and the crossbench members in the Legislative Council who hold the balance of power,” said Cr Foster.

We met with Parliamentarians where we raised our concerns to the levy.

“We have supported the advocacy efforts against the legislation by the South West Victoria Alliance, the Municipal Association of Victoria, and Regional Councils Victoria, each of which we are a member.”

Parts of south west Victoria, including in Moyne Shire, continue to experience record low rainfall, placing a heavy financial and emotional toll upon our rural communities and economy. Adding this levy will further affect farmers’ capacity to sustainably care for their families, livestock and environment.

We implore the State Government to reconsider this legislation, and listen to the concerns of those in rural communities who are disproportionately affected by the levy.