The Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) came into effect from 1 July 2025, replacing the Fire Services Property Levy (FSPL). 

You’ll see it as a charge on your Rates Notice.

It’s important that the community understands that this isn’t a Council tax. We are legally obligated to collect it on behalf of the State Government.

The ESVF includes:

1. A fixed charge – based on your property type.

2. A variable charge – based on your property type and its capital improved value.

Ararat Rural City Council maintains its strong objection to the introduction of the Emergency Services Volunteer Fund (ESVF).

We want to make it clear that while Council is legally obligated to collect the ESVF on behalf of the State Government, we have consistently and strongly advocated against its introduction due to our deep concerns about its impact on our community and we will continue to do so.

Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as “we won’t pay it”. It’s important to understand that Council does not have control over how the money you pay towards your rates notice is distributed. We are still legally obligated to pay a proportion of your rates payment to the State Government.

If we are not able to collect the ESVF from ratepayers, the shortfall must come from Council’s own budget. This will greatly impact our financial sustainability and our ability to serve our community. It will also result in ratepayers falling into arrears.

Eligible CFA and VICSES volunteers and life members will be entitled to a rebate on the ESVF on their principal place of residence or farm, which will be administered by the Department of Government Services. The rebate can be claimed for one of the following:

• your principal place of residence if you are on the title, or
   
• one parcel of farmland in which you have a direct ownership interest, or farmland in which you have an indirect ownership interest (for example, as a shareholder of a company or beneficiary of a trust, that owns the land), or
   
• two or more parcels of land in a single farming enterprise that you have a direct or indirect ownership interest.

We encourage all CFA and VICSES volunteers to explore this.

More information can be found at:

• Department of Government Services’ ESVF support line: 1300 819 033 
• For general ESVF information and a calculator, visit sro.vic.gov.au/esvf
• For information about the Volunteers Rebate, visit service.vic.gov.au/evrs 

As part of the Victorian Government’s Drought Support Package, primary producers in Ararat Rural City will receive a 40% reduction on their 2025–26 rates.

The reduction applies to the Farm Rate and Municipal Charge on all properties rated as a farm for the 2025–26 financial year and will appear as a credit on eligible Valuation & Rates Notices.

This support is part of the Primary Producer Support Payments initiative, to provide cashflow relief to farmers in regions hardest hit by ongoing drought conditions. The program applies to 11 local government areas in South West Victoria and parts of West Wimmera Shire.

The program is funded by the Victorian Government and administered by Council.

For more information about the Victorian Government’s Drought Support Package, please scan the QR code below, or visit agriculture.vic.gov.au.

If you’re genuinely having difficulty paying your rates, please reach out as there are measures in place to assist you. We want to help our residents who are experiencing financial hardship.

Payment plans can be arranged by contacting Council’s Rates Department on (03) 5355 0209 or email [email protected].

With concern for the potential impact on the mental health and wellbeing of its residents, Council wishes to ensure those affected are aware of the following available support.

Rural Financial Counselling Service 

For financial assistance and wellbeing support, the Rural Financial Counselling Service can be reached at 1300 735 578 or via their website at wswrcs.com.au.

Lifeline

For mental health support, residents are encouraged to contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au.

Drought Support Package for Victorian Farmers

Farmers can access financial assistance and support to help manage drought through the Victorian Government's Drought Support Package.

Agriculture Victoria's website provides information on available supports, including financial counselling, mental health and wellbeing services, and links to other organisations that can help.

You’ll also find practical tools, resources and information to help you plan and manage your feed, water and livestock needs. Plus, find out about upcoming events in your region and online.

For more information, please visit: www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.

Farm Drought Support Grants

The Farm Drought Support Grants (formerly On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants) program is available to assist primary production businesses to implement on-farm infrastructure improvements and undertake essential business activities that improve drought.

Eligible farmers will receive up to $5,000 (ex-GST) as a co-contribution grant that will support activities including water infrastructure upgrades (such as pipes, tanks, troughs and dams), stock containment areas, and grain and fodder storage.

New eligible activities have been added to the program, including water carting and pasture re-establishment in recognition of the broad pressures farmers are managing. For eligible farmers in south west Victoria, an additional $5,000 (ex-GST) top-up is available through the grant program, taking the total grant on offer up to $10,000 (ex-GST). This increase is available to the 11 local government areas that have had access to this program since September 2024, including Ararat Rural City.

For more information, and to apply, please visit: www.ruralfinance.com.au/grants

More information about the ESVF can be found at:

    •     By calling the Department of Government Services’ ESVF support line on 1300 819 033    
    •     For general ESVF information and a calculator, please visit sro.vic.gov.au/esvf
    •     For information about the Volunteers Rebate, please visit service.vic.gov.au/evrs