Emergency Services Levy to increase 4.2 per cent in 2025 SA state budget

Property owners are in for more cost of living pain in next week’s budget, with ESL bills to rise above the inflation rate.

Emergency Services Levy fees will rise an average $6.70 a year in next week’s state budget to support an extra $21m earmarked for new projects like Country Fire Service training and a new unit in Prospect.

The 4.2 per cent increase from $157.85 to $164.55 followed last year’s rise of $6.55 for a median city property. The increase is above the annual inflation rate in SA, which is sitting at 3.2 per cent.

Treasurer Stephen Mullighan said the extra dollars collected across the state – including an annual $2.45 increase for concession card holders – would help grow the emergency services budget mainly funded through the levy.

Among the new projects to be paid for with the extra $21m in revenue is $5.9m over four years to employ extra trainers and upgrades to training facilities to better support Country Fire Service volunteers responding to structure fires.

Treasurer Stephen Mulligan. Picture Mark Brake

Volunteer firefighters have responded to about 8000 structure fires in the past 10 years.

Other measures include $2.8m over four years to improve bushfire risk mapping and $250,000 toward replacing the Surf Life Saving South Australia’s Lifesaver 3 jet rescue boat.

There is also $2m over four years earmarked for the ongoing replacement of remotely piloted drones that are used by the State Emergency Service for reconnaissance, intelligence gathering and hazard assessments at incidents.

“Our emergency services play a vital role helping South Australians when they’re in need,” Mr Mullighan said.

“For a median valued metropolitan home, the ESL will be going up by just $6.70 for the year.

“This modest rise will help ensure our emergency services are better equipped with more resources and undergo greater training.”

Funds would also be used for the ongoing replacement of emergency services vehicles, equipment and facilities with work on building the new Prospect State Emergency Services unit and the co-located CFS and SES facility at Maitland.

Spending will also include another $687,000 to support Volunteer Marine Rescue associations over three years and $859,000 over three years for development assessments linked to new statewide bushfire hazard mapping.

The new statewide bushfire hazard code amendment is designed to ensure homes and other structures are built more safely in bushfire prone areas.

Emergency Services and Correctional Services Minister Emily Bourke said the extra funding would support frontline responders “who step up when it matters most”.

“More training, modern equipment and improved planning will help keep crews safe and protect the communities they serve.

“South Australians turn to their emergency services when lives or homes are in danger – and value the dedicated staff and volunteers ready to respond.”

Originally published as Emergency Services Levy to increase 4.2 per cent in 2025 SA state budget