The Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP today said Casterton CFA would receive $37,900 from this year’s Community Safety Emergency Support Program (CSESP).
Ms Tierney said the Brumby Labor Government boost would help the brigade secure a Nissan Navara Field Command Vehicle.
This would boost its response capacity by enabling an additional Field Command Vehicle strategically placed to support the region, allowing the brigade to continue its vital work.
“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to invest in the services that communities need to keep families safe and secure,” Ms Tierney said.
“Drought and environmental factors such as climate change are placing regional areas at greater risk and it is vital to maintain well-resourced volunteer emergency services groups.
“Be it flood, fire, storm or water rescues, our volunteers are ready to respond and help with recovery efforts. Their tireless hard work and dedication help keep Victoria safe,” she said.
The grant is part of more than $ 2.1 million going to CFA brigades across the state, helping 45 brigades secure almost $4.0 million in additional emergency services equipment.
To date CFA Brigades have received 398 CSESP grants worth almost $13.1 million enabling the purchase of more than $31.5 million in trucks and other equipment.
The grants would support record levels of investment into making Victoria’s world class emergency services even stronger, Ms Tierney said.
“The Victorian Labor Government has almost tripled the emergency services’ core budget since 1999 – from $254 million to $ 704 million this year.
“The additional funding supports our commitment to maintain well-resourced emergency services and provides local volunteer groups with extra equipment to help them carry out their important work,” she said.
Ms Tierney said the grants program helped build successful partnerships between communities, volunteers, emergency service organisations and government.
“The Brumby Labor Government values the vital work volunteers do, responding to a wide range of emergencies to assist their communities in times of need, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year” she said.