Local governments collect the ESL on behalf of DFES by including it on council rates notices. It is printed on rates notices as a separate line item, clearly marked "Emergency Services Levy" (ESL).
All ESL funds collected by local governments are forwarded directly to DFES to fund the fire and emergency services. ESL funds do not go to the State Treasury.
Payment options
You pay your levy charge at the same time that you pay your council rates. Thus you can pay by any method of payment accepted by your local government including mail, credit card, Australia Post, online and FastPay.
Paying in instalments
All payment instalment plans offered to property owners by a local government for council rates will include the ESL at no additional charge.
Late payment interest charge
If a property owner fails to pay the required full or part payment of ESL by the date specified on the rates notice, then late payment interest of 11% per annum will be charged.
Your local government may charge a different interest rate for late payment of council rates. This is because DFES charges 11% in all local government areas in the State, whereas local government penalty interest charges on Rates and other Council charges can vary from one council to the next.
Deferring your ESL
Pensioners who are able to defer their local government rates can also defer their ESL charge.