The keys to three new trucks have officially been handed over to the Lancefield, Bullengarook and Springfield fire brigades, helping the brigades to protect their communities.
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas alongside District 2 Commander Darren Eenjes presented the $1.2 million investment in the one heavy and two medium tankers at an event in Lancefield on April 26.
Mr Eenjes said the new trucks have features that will improve firefighter safety at an incident.
“These new tankers are state-of-the-art firefighting vehicles,” Mr Eenjes said.
“The heavy tanker features a 15 tonne crew-cab chassis with a 4000 litre water tank and its 4×4 capability will help crews access fires in difficult terrain.
“There are also great crew protection features such as a roll cage, spray systems and heat protection curtains.
“The medium tankers have a suppression system which allows for in-vehicle firefighting and part of the trucks’ water capacity can be set aside for crew and vehicle protection.
“They can carry 2350 litres of water, transport five people, and has four-wheel drive capability.”
Ms Thomas said the new tankers will help keep firefighters safe while they perform their critical work.
“The Lancefield, Springfield and Bullengarook fire brigades are part of the fabric of the Macedon community,” she said.
“I’m pleased to see these deserving brigades receive new tankers to continue their efforts.”
The heavy tanker was funded through the state government’s CFA capability funding package and is one of 48 new tankers being rolled out across.
The heavy tanker also has features that include an electronic monitor and electric rewind hose reel, as well as using a higher percentage of recyclable build materials.
The two medium tankers were purchased through the state government’s volunteer emergency services equipment program, which gave Bullengarook and Springfield grants of $320,000 each.
Both brigades also contributed $50,000 towards the purchase of their new vehicles in order to secure the grants.
Responding to about 148 incidents each year, the three brigades receiving tankers are supported by 72 operational members.
