The Golden Plains Shire region received a major boost to its emergency services today when local member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney handed over the keys to two brand new firefighting appliances.
Two medium tankers were handed over at separate events at Maude and Lethbridge CFA brigades today.
Ms Tierney said the new tankers would make a substantial difference to both brigades’ ability to fight fire and respond to incidents.
“These two new tankers will make Maude and Lethbridge brigades bushfire response significantly more effective, both in their respective communities, and in supporting other brigades in the area.”
The four wheel drive capability of the tankers will help in fighting bushfires in some of the more rugged areas around the region, such as the Brisbane Ranges,” she said.
Ms Tierney said both Lethbridge and Maude brigades have a long and proud tradition of service to their local communities in keeping them safe from the threat of bushfire.
“These new vehicles will play a major part in the future of both brigades, and will help Golden Plains Shire CFA brigades committed volunteers carry on their proud tradition of protecting the local community.
Both tankers include a 2,350-litre tank with a reserve tank for crew protection, as well as safety features including a crew spray protection system, fire protection curtains and pump controls in the cabin,” she said.
Ms Tierney said the State Government was proud to support the emergency services.
“The State Government values the important work Victoria’s emergency services do throughout the year, and is committed to ensuring they have the necessary resources to carry out this important work,” she said.
Ms Tierney said Victoria was proud to have more than 90,000 emergency services volunteers across the state, with CFA boasting one of the largest volunteer-based emergency services in the world.
”The State Government’s 2010/2011 budget included a range of measures to support Victoria’s emergency services,” she said.
“This year’s Budget delivered a $136.6 million boost to Victoria’s emergency services, underlining the state government’s commitment to bushfire preparation and response.”
Measures funded in the State Budget include $35.4 million for personnel training at Incident Control Centres, $28.5 million to upgrade and improve bushfire warnings and upgrade intelligence gathering, and $41.8 million for CFA to help communities better prepare themselves for the bushfire season.
The State Government will also spend $9.2 million employing 18 additional CFA personnel to train local brigades to support and advise private land owners, local councils and government agencies on vegetation management.