CFA has welcomed a Victorian Government investment of $148.6 million into CFA's fleet, and a funding boost for fire stations and critical equipment to help keep Victorians and volunteers safe.
Over ten years, an incredible $100 million will go toward building more tankers and pumpers to assist with firefighting efforts, while an additional $26 million will be allocated to help facilitate new, purpose-built facilities for CFA members.
Brigade members from Lakes Entrance, Barongarook West, Charlton, Nar Nar Goon, Beveridge, Dereel, Mirboo North, Kingston, Woodvale and Yarrambat will benefit from the budget expansion through new station builds, planning, land acquisition or upgrades.
A further $22.4 million will be dedicated toward CFA members' wellbeing support, updating their personal protective equipment (PPE) and for training purposes.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the significant funding will not only improve conditions for brigade members right across the state but also help meet the needs of future generations of firefighters.
"This latest announcement represents an extraordinary investment by the Victorian Government and one that will make a substantial difference to the safety and comfort of our CFA members," Jason said.
"It will ensure our hard-working volunteers are well-equipped with the most up-to-date, safe and modern facilities, vehicles, and equipment to help protect lives and property in their community now and well into the future.
"Victoria's firefighters, both operational and those who play a role behind the scenes, deserve the best tools and protection, and this funding will only enhance their ability to respond more efficiently and effectively to emergencies."
CO Jason Heffernan said this funding will be additional to what CFA already received last season.
"The $100 million over ten years will see us be able to get a better negotiation with industry to ensure we get the trucks that we need, when we need them and I look forward to starting that process," Jason said.
"This will go a long way to replacing those single cab tankers where our volunteers are riding on the back.
"The $15 million investment into PPE will see next generation wildfire PPC for the new members that come into our organisation and some structural PPC so our volunteers are protected as much as they can be.
"That also includes money to roll out P3 masks initiative ensuring respiratory protection for our volunteers during bushfires as we saw in January.
"The remaining funds will benefit our wellbeing services with clinical psychologists and ensure we have the funding that we need."
CO Jason Heffernan joined eager brigade members at Golden Square for the announcement (23 April), alongside Minister for Emergency Services Vicki Ward MP and Maree Edwards MP.
