Gisborne’s volunteer firefighters will get bigger digs, while Macedon’s Country Fire Authority members will tackle emergencies more quickly in their new truck, thanks to the latest round of state funding.
The CFA units are sharing in more than $9.3million from the 2016-17 Volunteer Emergency Services equipment grants.
Gisborne CFA gets $53,333 to extend its fire station, while Macedon CFA will use its $47,333 grant for a new field command vehicle.
Under the program, the government commits $2 for every $1 raised by volunteer emergency service groups.
Funds raised help buy extra trucks and tankers, watercraft vehicles and trailers, and to carry out minor upgrades at base stations.
Gisborne CFA captain Sam Strang said that being able to extend the truck parking area of the station would ensure it better complied with health and safety standards.
“This funding will enable us to extend to the rear of the meeting room, and eliminate the health and safety problems that we’ve been having,” Captain Strang said.
“Our trucks are bigger than they were when the station was first built, and we need the extension so that we can fit them in.
“This is not only beneficial to the Gisborne CFA, but it benefits the whole of the Macedon Ranges because it enables us to better assist other brigades in the region.”
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said CFA volunteer brigades in the Macedon electorate would receive a total of $218,134. Glenlyon, Musk, Leonards Hill and Franklinford CFAs also received funding through the program.
“These grants will provide a welcome boost to volunteer CFA brigades in the Macedon Ranges, helping them buy the equipment they need to keep Victorians safe,” Ms Thomas said.
Information: www.emv.vic.gov.au.
to be spent on equipment, trucks, and facilities
, which will be used to replace ageing equipment, provide specialist cool-climate clothing, and other forms of support
“The government is supporting emergency service volunteers to do their lifesaving work safely and effectively by providing grants for vital equipment and resources.”
The Victorian State Emergency Service, Life Saving Victoria and Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association were among the other organisations to receive grants. In addition to the VESEP program the Labor Government has invested tens of millions of dollars since it came to government in new CFA trucks, station rebuilds and upgrades, and new training facilities.
