Emergency services volunteer groups in the south west will share in $12.5 million to purchase much-needed equipment as part of the 2015-16 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP).
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP said the VESEP grants would fund operational equipment, such as trucks, tankers, watercraft, trailers and minor facility improvements for volunteer groups.
Recipients included:
– Warrnambool CFA – $100,000 for a medium tanker
– Portland CFA – $39,867 for a Field Command Vehicle
– Broadwater CFA – $15,001 for a Quick Fill and Lighting Trailer
– Hopkins – Curdies CFA – $19,665 for a Field Command Vehicle
– Merri CFA – $15,737 for a for a Quick Fill and Lighting Trailer
– Portland Unit SES – $51,631 for a Ford Ranger Crew Cab
Under the program, the Andrews Labor Government contributed $2 for every $1 contributed by local volunteer groups from organisations including the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association (AVCGA), Country Fire Authority (CFA), Life Saving Victoria (LSV), Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES), and other eligible volunteer emergency services groups.
The 2015-16 VESEP program offered grants of up to $100,000. State-wide, the allocation means that:
• 43 VICSES units will share more than $2 million to purchase a range of operational equipment including storm trailers, rescue trucks and rescue equipment
• 29 grants worth more than $665,000 will be provided to LSV clubs to support patrols with new water crafts and infrastructure upgrades
• 202 grants totaling more than $7.1 million will be provided to CFA brigades for equipment ranging from tankers and command vehicles to amenities upgrades
• AVCGA flotillas will receive 11 grants totaling more than $213,000 for vessel tracking equipment, radio upgrades and other essential amenities upgrades
• Other recipients such as Bush Search and Rescue Victoria, Shepparton Search and Rescue Squad, St John Ambulance Australia and the Torquay Marine Rescue Service will receive grants to purchase or upgrade equipment.
I addition to individual grants, volunteers will also benefit from state-wide initiatives such as $1.9 million to CFA to replace equipment, provide specialist clothing and thermal imaging cameras across Victoria and more than $51,000 to LSV to purchase helmets to improve member safety on inflatable rescue boats.
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney MP
“These grants will help give our volunteers in the south west the equipment they need to save lives and protect our community.”
“The equipment needed to respond to emergencies is a big cost burden and this funding will go a long way towards reducing pressures on our volunteers.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Services Jane Garrett
“The Andrews Labor Government recognises the enormous contribution of our 90,000 volunteers across the state and we’re pleased to support them by helping to fund life-saving equipment and vehicles.”
“Volunteers are the backbone of our community. They help protect the lives of more than 3.3 million Victorians and deserve our support.”