DECEMBER: In his final days as Treasurer before retirement from politics, Tim Pallas tells councils the fire services levy will be replaced with the emergency services volunteer fund tax; Loddon Shire councillor Gavan Holt warns that councils will cop brunt of ratepayer anger. The State Government requires councils to add the tax to annual property rate notices and send the money to the State Revenue Office.
FEBRUARY: Analysis of the fire services levy collected by Loddon Shire over the last decade shows almost $15 million sent to the Government, just under $5 million spent on local Country Fire Authority volunteer brigades.
MARCH: Opposition to the new tax builds with the Victorian Farmers’ Federation saying  farmers face a 189 per cent hike. Legislation passed through the Legislative Assembly with all Government MPs voting in favour; Loddon Shire says the new tax will add an extra 24.7 per cent to rate notices with more than $4 million being handed over each year.
APRIL: Debate stalls in the Legislative Council; Premier Jacinta Allan vows to negotiate with crossbenchers to get the votes needed. Petitions and meetings held around Victoria against the tax. Loddon Shire briefs Wedderburn branch of Victorian Farmers’ Federation.
MAY: Protests held in Melbourne and outside Premier Allan’s Bendigo electorate office ahead of debate resuming in Parliament. Debate deferred to last Thursday.
THURSDAY: Legislation passed in a late night sitting with support of crossbench MPs including two Loddon community representatives - Greens’ Sarah Mansfield, Animal Justice Party’s Georgie Purcell. Ms Mansfield spoke in debate, Ms Purcell did not and and has not made a statement since. Under amendments carried, the increase for farmers will now be 150 per cent and principal place of residence exempt, however, the tax must first be paid and farmers then claim a rebate.
FRIDAY: Hundreds of CFA brigades take themselves offline including Rheola, Murphys Creek, Newbridge, Woodstock West and Fentons Creek. Murray Plains MP Peter Walsh says the levy s a land tax by stealth – targeting the farming community in particular – and as “socialism gone mad in Victoria”.
SATURDAY: Protest rally organised for State Budget Day. Buses from Boort and Wedderburn announced. Volunteers say the taxes will force them to pay to fight fires.
SUNDAY: CFA official opening of new Natte Yallock fire station postponed. 
MONDAY: Local community protests escalate with a dozen yellow overalls placed on the Bridgewater Fire Brigade fence - visible to thousands of vehicles travelling the Calder Highway each day.
TUESDAY: Up to 10,000 people rally in Melbourne. Organisers promise to keep coming back. Protests also held in regional centres.
The Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund will be used for the CFA, Fire Rescue Victoria, SES, State Control Centre, Triple Zero and other emergency agencies. From July 1, it will replace the old fire services levy that funded the CFA and FRV.
“These changes will give emergency services the funding and equipment they need as they face natural disasters which are happening more often and becoming more destructive.”
Treasurer Jaclyn Symes