Western Victoria will benefit from nine new tankers for the local CFA Brigades to help with fire preparedness, Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP said today.
An additional 53 tankers will be rolled out over the rest of the year and early next year to brigades across Victoria, with Victorian company Bell Environmental securing government contracts worth $6.55 million to produce and deliver the new CFA tankers.
The local CFA brigade receiving new tankers include:
– Simpson CFA
– Corangamite CFA Group
– Weerite CFA
– Barwon Downs CFA
– Otway CFA
– Gorea West CFA
– Bessiebelle CFA
– Heathmere CFA
– Heywood CFA
Ms Tierney said the Brumby Labor Government was taking action to make Victoria fire ready by providing the funding for the new CFA firefighting vehicles which will enable access to fight fires in hard to reach areas larger tankers can’t get to.
“These additional Ultralight Tankers are rolling off the production line and the Brumby Labor Government is proud to be working with the CFA, local communities and a local manufacturer to help keep the state safe as we prepare for the upcoming fire season,” Ms Tierney said.
“This tanker includes a 550-litre water tank, a foam system and rotating work lights.
“On board, there will be range of hose lengths, a chainsaw, fuel containers, tools and first aid kit to provide vital equipment to a total crew of two.
“The body of the tankers is made from 640 kilograms of lightweight aluminium and is equipped with upgraded suspension to carry up to 3.9 tonnes.”
Ms Tierney said the new fleet of Ultra Light Tankers will give the CFA a total of 69 new tankers.
“An earlier contract for 16 tankers has been delivered, with those tankers now in service and well received by CFA volunteers and the community,” Ms Tierney said.
“These new tankers are ahead of schedule and will strengthen the state’s firefighting capacity in preparation for this fire season.”