Moira Shire Council CEO Matthew Morgan raised the issue of the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund as a matter of urgent business at the council’s monthly meeting on Wednesday, May 28.
Mr Morgan said the council understood the need for additional funding and resourcing for local emergency services units.
“This was evident when we met with the Cobram SES Unit several weeks ago. However, we believe that this funding should not come via an increased levy on our property owners,” he said.
“Councils are legislatively required to collect the levy for the Victorian Government. In 2024-25, council collected $5.45 million for the Victorian Government via the FSPL, from the rateable properties within our community. In 2025-26 under the new ESVF, this is set to increase to $7.95 million. This represents an increase of over 45 per cent for the Victorian Government levy.”
Council administrator Susan Benedyka proposed a motion, as follows.
“That council, on behalf of the Moira community, writes to the Premier of Victoria, Jacinta Allan, with the following points,” Ms Benedyka said.
“One, advising that we support increased funding and support for our local emergency services units.
“Two, advising our opposition to the introduced Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) on the basis of the proposed increase in taxation burden for our property owners.
“Three, ask the premier to meet with our community, including local volunteers from our emergency service units, to understand and hear their concerns directly.
“Four, request that if the Victorian Government proceeds with the implementation of the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund, from July 1, 2025, the government provides; a) clear detailed information on how the ESVF revenue is allocated, including the estimated regional and LGA allocation breakdowns for the forward budget period; and b) assurance that communities contributing to the fund will receive proportionate direct benefit, including investment in their local emergency services and volunteer resources.”
The motion was seconded by chair administrator Dr Graeme Emonson and passed unanimously.
The office of the minister for emergency services has been contacted for comment.
