The State Revenue Office has reduced the Fire Services Property Levy (FSPL) rate on residential properties across the State as part of an overhaul to make the charge simpler and more consistent.
Announced by Treasurer, Tim Pallas, the FSPL reduction is intended to assist businesses and families get through the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a Statement, Mr Pallas said the Government would create a consistent, State-wide FSPL, which recognised that fires affect all Victorians and everyone benefited from modernised, reformed and well-resourced fire services.
“Under the new streamlined system, property owners will no longer pay higher contributions depending on the location of their property,” Mr Pallas said.
“From July, all residential properties in Victoria will see a fall in their FSPL rate, while all other properties – such as industrial or commercial properties – in the old Country Fire Authority (CFA) district will either see no increase, or a decrease in their rate,” he said.
“The fixed levy will be indexed in accordance with the legislation.”
Mr Pallas said the FSPL equipped fire services with the tools and resources necessary to keep Victorians safe from fire.
“The new consistent State-wide levy will mean the vast majority of regional Victorian property owners will pay less,” he said.
“The total FSPL levy charge will remain around $150 for a typical metropolitan residence, while a family home in regional Victoria will see a small fall in the FSPL, from around $141 to $137.”
Mr Pallas said the changes recognised the establishment of Fire Rescue Victoria and the changing nature of population growth across the State.
