The State Government has introduced a Fire Services Property Levy to fund the state’s fire services and requires local governments to collect the funds on its behalf.

The levy is being applied to land and buildings, including Council-owned properties, and Council is obligated to collect all funds via the annual rates.

The levy is not Council revenue; it will be transferred in full to the State Government, via the State Revenue Office.

From 2013–14 onwards, the State Government Fire Services Property Levy will be listed as an item for payment on your annual rates notice. It will include a fixed component ($100 for residential properties and $200 for non-residential properties) as well as a variable charge assessed on your property’s capital improved value.

Property owners who currently receive a Council rates concession in respect to their principal place of residence will automatically receive the Fire Services Property Levy concession rate, which is a $50 discount from the total levy amount.

For more information, visit www.firelevy.vic.gov.au .