News

Emergency levy details for Gannawarra landholders

By Ryan Bellingham

Sep 4, 2025

Gannawarra Shire Council has provided information on this year’s municipal rates notices, including its obligation to collect a state government levy. Photo by Contributed

Detailed information on a controversial new levy will be sent out with municipal rates notices to landholders in Gannawarra Shire Council.

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A two-page flyer on the Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund is included with notices for this financial year, which will be delivered to around 6000 landowners in the council.

The ESVF has replaced the Fire Property Services Levy, and council is legally required to collect it on behalf of the Victorian Government.

Chief executive Geoff Rollinson said council continued to oppose the levy in its current form, and was taking every opportunity to object to it on behalf of the community.

“If you choose not to pay the ESVF levy, council is legislated to charge interest and take steps to recover any outstanding amounts,” he said.

“If you only pay a portion of the total amount due, some of the payment will be paid to the state government to cover the levy.”

Council encouraged residents with questions about the levy to contact the State Revenue Office ESVF Support Line by phoning 1300 819 033 or visiting sro.vic.gov.au/esvf

For more information on council’s municipal rates, including lodging an objection, visit gsc.vic.gov.au/rates