Fire Services Levy

From 1 July 2013 the Victorian Government requires local councils to collect a Fire Services Levy on their behalf, as part of rates notices.

Your rates notice will now include a clear list of your rates and the Victorian government Fire Services Levy. Although this levy will appear on rates notices, it is not a Council charge for Council services.

The Fire Services Levy is used to fund the Country Fire Authority and Metropolitan Fire Brigade.

The levy is not new, but was previously included in insurance premiums and therefore was only paid by those who had insurance cover.

The amount of the levy per ratepayer is calculated as follows:

• a fixed component of $132 for residential properties and $267 for non-residential properties; plus

• a variable component calculated as follows: (cents per $1,000 of Capital Improved Value). 

Eligible pensioners and veterans also receive a $50 concession.