Council welcomes extended ESVF levy relief

Published on 10 December 2025

Moyne Shire Council welcomes the recent Victorian State Budget update confirming a two-year rate freeze for primary producers under the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) Levy.

Mayor Jordan Lockett said Council was pleased to hear the announcement and is grateful the disproportionate burden the levy imposed on farmers will not occur for a further two years.

“While this most recent news is a beneficial, Moyne Shire Council will continue to stand with our rural communities and agricultural sector.

“We will continue to vigorously advocate against the introduction of the ESVF levy in any form and have been working closely with rural Councils to ensure regional voices are heard and understood,” said Cr. Lockett.

“I would also like to recognise the critical role our local emergency services and their tireless efforts campaigning against this levy,” he said

Many parts of south west Victoria, including in Moyne Shire, continue to experience long term record low rainfall, placing a heavy financial toll on rural communities and economies.  If implemented on primary producers, the ESVF levy will further affect farmers’ capacity to sustainably care for their livestock and environment.

Moyne Shire Council has supported the advocacy efforts against the legislation and will continue to do so alongside South West Victoria Alliance, Regional Council’s Victoria and Municipal Association of Victoria to secure lasting outcomes for our communities.