Volunteer coast guards in the Surf Coast will share in more than $300,000 in Victorian Government grants to buy additional new equipment.
The Andrews Labor Government today announced the recipients of the 2016-17 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program.
Under the program, the government commits $2 for every $1 provided by volunteer groups to help them buy additional trucks, tankers, watercraft and trailers, and carry out minor facility upgrades.
The Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association has received 10 separate grants to help keep Victoria’s coastlines safe.
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP has welcomed the $15,591 grant the Torquay Marine Rescue Service would receive for a Personal Water Craft, trailer and associated equipment.
The $307,000 funding boost to the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association also includes more than $80,000 towards a project to install infra-red cameras on search-and-rescue vessels.
The Victorian State Emergency Service, Life Saving Victoria and CFA were among the other organisations to receive grants under the almost $13 million program.
Organisations can apply for government contributions of up to $100,000.
For more information about the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program, visit emv.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP
“These grants will provide a welcome boost to our coast guard volunteers in the Surf Coast who do an amazing job keeping our coastlines and waterways safe.”
“The Andrews Labor Government is supporting emergency service volunteers to do their life-saving work safely and effectively by providing grants for vital equipment and resources.”