Council Calls to Scrap the Emergency Services Volunteer Fund
Published on 23 May 2025
Southern Grampians Shire Council continues to stand with our community against the introduction of the new Emergency Services Volunteer Fund (ESVF) calling on the State Government to cease its introduction.
Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Dennis Heslin has written an open letter to Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan to scrap the unfair Levy, demanding better for our rural community. The letter also calls for a moratorium on the ESVF of two years for areas impacted by drought, should the Levy go ahead.
“It is vital that the Premier scraps the proposed Levy and listens to what our communities are saying - that the Levy, compounded by the current drought is not only poorly targeted, but the consequences could be disastrous,” said Cr Heslin.
“Our communities, especially our farming communities, are at complete breaking point due to the ongoing drought that is ravaging Western Victoria. We have farmers without water and without fodder. Bills piling up to feed the stock they are holding onto or selling what they can’t, with little hope to restock once conditions improve.
“The ESVF places an unfair burden on those who are the backbone of our regional economy and our rural fire service, asking them to foot the bill for emergency services at a time when they are struggling just to survive.
“While there is no doubt emergency services require adequate funding, farmers should not be forced to shoulder these additional costs. Even for those who do volunteer with the CFA, cash flowing the payment of the Levy and waiting for a rebate is currently financially out of reach for many.
“Also, the rebate does not recognise the many in our community who volunteer in other capacities to support emergency response, or as widely discussed that most modern farms are spread across several titles thus having to pay multiple times.
“To add a new tax that is heavily directed at our farming communities especially during this natural disaster – a drought that we haven’t seen the likes of for over 100 years if ever – is just untenable.
“We welcome the Premier’s recent comments asking farmers to her door. We extend the invitation to Premier Allan and her colleagues to come down to our corner of Victoria and see for themselves what our communities are enduring every day. It’s heartbreaking and cannot be ignored.
“Council met with Member for Lowan and Shadow Minister for Agriculture Emma Kealy Wednesday to discuss the ongoing hardships and the ESVF.
“We will continue to work with all tiers of Government to ensure that Western Victorian voices are heard.
“To our community we see you, we hear you and we will do what we can to advocate for better outcomes – while we continue to pray for rain,” concluded Cr Heslin.
Please take your time to read Council’s open letter and share with all in our, and surrounding communities.
We also encourage you to “Check Your Mates” by picking up the phone, flicking a text, or dropping in for a cup of tea with neighbours or friends to make sure they are doing ok. Support services are available to support mental health and wellbeing.
Visit the Southern Grampians Shire Council website at Drought Support Southern Grampians Shire Council for helpful contact information.
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