With the Victorian State Election approaching in November, East Gippsland Shire Council has placed the reform of the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) levy at the centre of its advocacy campaign, calling on all candidates and parties to commit to fairer outcomes for rural and regional communities.

Council is actively seeking commitments to overhaul the levy structure, which it says is placing or is set to place a growing and disproportionate financial burden on East Gippsland households, farmers, primary producers and businesses already managing higher costs associated with disaster risk, insurance pressures and the rising cost of living.

As part of its 2026 State Election advocacy program, Council is working alongside Rural Councils Victoria, the Municipal Association of Victoria and other regional councils to push for significant reform, including a full review of how the levy is calculated, administered and distributed.

Mayor Cr Jodie Ashworth said the State Election provides a critical opportunity to secure long-term change.

“Heading into this election, we are asking all parties and candidates to commit to meaningful reform of the ESVF levy,” Cr Ashworth said.

“This is not a minor adjustment – it is a structural issue that continues to place an unfair burden on rural communities like ours. People in East Gippsland support emergency services and volunteers without question, but they need a system that is fair, transparent and reflects regional reality.”

Council first raised concerns about the levy when it was first announced, calling for its abolition due to its disproportionate impact on regional ratepayers. Since then, it has continued sustained advocacy through 2025 and into 2026.

The advocacy campaign is focused on three key priorities: a review of the levy structure to ensure it reflects capacity to pay; improved transparency around how funds are collected and distributed; and bipartisan support for long-term reform of emergency services funding.

Community feedback has highlighted ongoing concerns about the lack of clarity around the levy, uncertainty about exemptions and rebates, and the cumulative impact on rural households and businesses.

“We hear from farmers, small business owners and volunteers who are all saying the same thing – they understand the importance of funding emergency services, but they don’t understand why rural communities are being asked to carry such a heavy share of the cost,” she said.

“What we’re seeking is not only fairness, but certainty. Families and businesses need to be able to plan ahead without worrying about unpredictable or disproportionate increases.”

Council’s advocacy also highlights the administrative burden placed on local government, which is responsible for collecting the levy on behalf of the state, and seeks improved recognition of these costs in any future funding model.

As part of its election advocacy program, Council will continue to engage with candidates, parties and regional partners to secure clear commitments on ESVF reform before voters go to the polls in November.

Council is encouraging the community to stay informed as the election approaches and to understand where candidates stand on issues affecting regional fairness, cost of living and emergency services funding.

Council's advocacy package also includes priority investments in roads, health, housing, flood and drainage infrastructure, sporting facilities, emergency services, forestry transition and public land management.

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