Emergency Services Minister James Merlino’s vow to address the shortfall comes just weeks after Corangamite Shire halved its funding for several SES units this financial year. It plans to drop the support, which has matched state contributions since 1989, altogether next year. 

He would not be drawn on an announcement date.

“I've been working with the SES, working with the Municipal Association of Victoria and local government across the state to ensure that the SES is on strong and secure and sustainable financial footing,” he said.

"We are going to make sure that our SES is fully-funded, operational, out there protecting their local communities, but we want to make sure that we also maintain that important partnership with local government.

“That's exactly the work that we're doing at the moment."

Mr Merlino described situations where some councils had withdrawn or reduced funding for SES units, which are made up of volunteers, as “not good enough”.

He said he had discussed the issue with the Premier and the Treasurer.

“I certainly want to give a very strong message to all of our SES units across the state that the State Government will be supporting them,” he said.

“This is a significant issue and we won't let the SES down."