Government to review fire services boundaries through new Panel

Related to the announced restructure of the Victorian fire services through the establishment of ‘Fire Rescue Victoria,’ the Victorian Government has announced that there will be a review of the boundaries between fire services (Fire Rescue Victoria and the Country Fire Authority).

 “Consistent with Recommendation 63 of the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission, an independent Fire District Review Panel will also be established. The Panel will conduct future reviews of the boundary between fire services, based on population growth, urban development and the volume of Triple 000 calls.”

Fire Services Property Levy rates are considerably higher in the Country Fire Authority designated areas than in the Metropolitan Fire Brigade designated areas, so any boundary changes should be expected to have FSPL impacts for property that is redistricted.

The Government has advised that fire and rescue services will continue as normal and the amount collected through the Fire Services Property Levy will not change over the next two years while the reforms are being implemented.