Nearly $11 million in grant funding will be handed over to CFA brigades to purchase new equipment to help protect their communities.
The Victorian Government’s Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) funding was announced last week by the Emergency Services Minister Jacyln Symes.
Included in the funding was Mooroolbark Fire Brigade who will receive $128,333 and Lilydale SES who will receive $88,968 to support in the purchasing of vehicles and appliances.
“Fortunately, we’ve been granted funds through the latest VESEP release, which is a stroke of luck for us,” Mooroolbark CFA captain Mark Drennan said.
“Our Brigade has been fundraising for a project like this for many years, and securing the VESEP grant is a significant step towards achieving our goal.”
Aiming to replace the 30-year-old Ultralight Tanker, Mr Drennan said this vehicle has “dutifully served” but is in need of an upgrade.
“The new ultralight vehicle will not only benefit Mooroolbark and its surroundings but also extend its impact to the broader communities of the Yarra Valley and beyond,” he said.
“Designed for manoeuvring into challenging fire zones, this vehicle will play a crucial role in essential first attack operations.
“Moreover, it will be utilised for support operations such as blacking out/mopping up and patrolling fire lines, enhancing our firefighting capabilities.”
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said VESEP grants help provide brigades with significant funding for life-saving equipment.
“This program provides $2 for every $1 of funding from the brigade and helps with the purchase of equipment such as vehicles, trucks, tankers, watercraft, trailers, and can also include minor facility improvements,” CO Heffernan said.
“The contribution from the government towards equipment means brigades like Harcourt have a great incentive to fundraise in their communities and apply for a VESEP grant.
“There are also Special Access Grants available to provide a further financial boost for brigades that face challenges with fundraising.”
The announcement took place at the Harcourt Fire Station in conjunction with the official handover of the brigade’s new Medium Tanker.
Harcourt Captain Andrew Wilson said the Medium Tanker was funded from the 2019/20 VESEP funding and will help the local brigade boost their ability to protect lives and property.
“We are very grateful to everyone in the community who has helped fundraise for this new tanker that will help our brigade with the summer season ahead,” Mr Wilson said.
“The new vehicle can carry 2350 litres of water, transport five people, and has four-wheel drive capability.”
The Harcourt Brigade fundraised $50,000 and the VESEP funding contribution was $320,000.
The VESEP funding announced included a range of replacement vehicles for brigades including Wooriwyrite, Knox City, Emerald and Maude. Brigades in Eaglehawk, Kallista-The-Patch and Kyabram are among those receiving updated amenities.
The full list of successful applicants has been published on the Emergency Management Victoria website.
