The Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP today said Warrnambool and Portland coast guards would receive $3,667 and $2,000 respectively from this year’s Community Safety Emergency Support Program (CSESP).
Ms Tierney MP said the Brumby Labor Government funding boost would help the Warrnambool flotilla purchase rescue and safety equipment and the Portland Flotilla enhance facilities.
“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 funding will boost both flotilla’s response capacity by enabling:
– the Warrnambool Flotilla properly equip and assist with training of the committed volunteer group to assist in any rescue effort along the shipwreck coast
– the provision of a storage facility on the wharf
“Both of these grants will enhance the capability and operational excellence of these flotillas thereby benefiting the Community as a whole,” Ms Tierney said.
This year, six Australian Volunteer Coast Guard (AVCG) Flotillas will buy almost $150,000 in extra emergency equipment by matching $100,000 in CSESP grants with their own contributions.
Since 2004, AVCG Flotillas have received 60 CSESP grants worth more than $1.1 million enabling the purchase of more than $1.45 million in equipment, including a one-off special $300,000 purchase of new uniforms for volunteers.
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 flotillas would be able to buy extra rescue/safety equipment, a tow vehicle, facility upgrades, and replacement motors.
“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,” 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.