The Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP today said the Portland Life Saving Club would receive $6,000 from this year’s Community Safety Emergency Support Program (CSESP).
Ms Tierney said the Brumby Labor Government funding would help the Portland Life Saving Club purchase dry suits, helmets, rescue tubes and fins, improved communication equipment to assist the club in upgrading their off-shore rescue service.
“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to invest in the services that communities need to keep families safe and secure,” Ms Tierney said.
This year, 18 Life Saving Victoria (LSV) Clubs will buy almost $430,000 in extra emergency equipment by matching $286,000 in CSESP grants with their own contributions.
Since 2004, LSV Clubs have received 138 CSESP grants worth almost $2.6 million enabling the purchase of more than $6.3 million in equipment and other assets.
Ms Tierney said.it was vital to maintain well-resourced volunteer emergency services groups.
“Be it flood, fire, storm or water rescues, our emergency services volunteers are ready to respond and help with recovery efforts. Their tireless hard work and dedication help keep Victoria safe,” she said.
With the additional funding, local clubs would be able to buy extra rescue equipment such as Inflatable Rescue Boats (IRB’s), defibrillators, rescue boards, and search and rescue equipment.
“Groups can secure the latest equipment to carry out their vital work or create safer and more comfortable facilities to improve the experience for volunteers,” Ms Tierney said.
The grants would support record levels of investment into making Victoria’s world class emergency services even stronger, she said.
“The Victorian Labor Government has almost tripled the emergency services’ core budget since 1999 – from $254 million to $704 million this year,” said Ms Tierney said.
“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.
“The Brumby Labor Government highly 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.