Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP today said Mortlake SES would receive $39,229 from this year’s Community Safety Emergency Support Program (CSESP).
Ms Tierney said the Brumby Labor Government funding would help the unit secure a 4WD Nissan Patrol Wagon.
“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, 20 VICSES units will buy more than $1.3 million in extra emergency equipment by matching almost $813,000 in CSESP grants with their own contributions. This funding comes in addition to that provided by the VICSES budget process.
Since 2001, VICSES Units have received 288 CSESP grants worth more than $7.5 million enabling the purchase of almost $12.8 million in equipment, assets and upgrades to Units.
Ms Tierney said drought and climate change were placing Victoria at greater risk for severe weather events, and it was 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 our communities safe,” she said.
With the additional funding, VICSES units would be able to buy extra equipment, such as replacement trucks and vehicles, lighting trailers, and facility upgrades.
“Units can secure the latest equipment to carry out their vital work or create safer and more comfortable facilities to improve the experience of their 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.
“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.